A GoFundMe page has collected well over $100,000 to help the family of Quarius Dunham recover from the 8-year-old Portsmouth boy's death after he was shot in South Carolina during Memorial Day weekend.

Quarius was shot in the neck and back by Charles Montgomery Allen as he fired shots at passing cars on May 28 in Florence County, South Carolina. He and his father were taken to a hospital by a Sheriff's Deputy, where Quarius died from his injuries two days later.

The third grader at the Little Harbour School in Portsmouth, and his father Matthew Dunham, were in South Carolina for his brother's graduation.

"This sweet child touched every person he met with his vibrant smile, infectious laugh, snappy shoes, and ambitious dreams," Sarah Natt wrote on a GoFundMe page she created for the family. "He always greeted people with a hug, and lit up every room he was in. One of the amazing things about his spirit is that he literally made every kid he was around think they were his best friend."

Qaruius had dreams of playing in the NBA someday, Natt wrote.  He was also good at soccer and kickball, and was a great runner.

A Family's Life Takes a Turn

The Dunham family's lives have been completely upended by the shooting, according to according to Natt. Unexpected housing, medical care, meals, and other expenses are mounting as Tecali Dunham, who is pregnant and expecting in September, has traveled to South Carolina to be with husband Matthew during his recovery.  They are both currently not working.

"Donations of any size will go a long way to help ease their financial burden at this unimaginably difficult time," Natt wrote.

The family's goal is to create a family wake in South Carolina, a full family service in North Carolina, and a memorial service in Portsmouth.

The Little Harbour School has designated a memorial tree and covered it with pictures of Quarius, according to a tweet by WMUR. A single candle sits at the base of the tree.

Charles Montgomery Allen
Charles Montgomery Allen (Florence County Detention Center)
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During his bond hearing on Wednesday, Allen went on a rant in court about being a "victim" because "something has been after me," according to coverage of his bond hearing by WPDE TV.

Allen told a judge that he is not a criminal, and has never had bad intentions towards anyone in his life, according to WPDE's report. He told the judge his devices have been hacked, which creates a low sound.

Allen is being held at the Florence County Detention Center.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH

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