Random Shooting Kills 8-Year-Old Riding With Family — Gunman Sentenced to Life

An 8-year-old boy riding in a car with his family was shot and killed when a man opened fire on passing vehicles outside his home. Nearly four years later, the gunman has been sentenced to life in prison.
On March 5, 2026, South Carolina Circuit Court Judge H. Steven DeBerry IV sentenced 44-year-old Charles Montgomery Allen to life in prison for the murder of an 8-year-old Quarius Naqua Dunham and the attempted murder of five other people following a random roadside shooting in Florence County. Allen was also sentenced to 30 years in prison for each of the five attempted murder counts.
The shooting occurred on May 28, 2022, along Old River Road in Florence County, South Carolina, when authorities say Allen began firing multiple weapons at vehicles passing his home. Investigators said he used both a rifle and a shotgun during the attack.
Quarius was riding in a vehicle with his family when the gunfire erupted. His father, Matthew Dunham, was driving at the time and was struck by gunfire in the leg. Quarius was shot in the neck and rushed to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Quarius’ mother, Tecali Dunham, was also in the vehicle but was not injured. The family had been visiting relatives in South Carolina at the time of the shooting.
Investigators said Allen fired at several passing vehicles during the incident, resulting in multiple victims and prompting charges that included murder, attempted murder, discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime.
Deputies later took Allen into custody near the scene. Authorities said the motive for the shooting was never clearly established, and investigators described the attack as a random act of violence.
During court proceedings, Quarius’ parents and relatives described the devastating impact the killing had on their family. Prosecutors said Allen’s actions left multiple victims traumatized and robbed a young child of his life.
Allen apologized during sentencing and said he was not in the right mental state at the time of the shooting. However, prosecutors argued that his actions were deliberate and reckless, emphasizing the danger he posed to the community.
Allen had been held in custody without bond for more than 1,300 days following his arrest before receiving his life sentence.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!