The tragic event when a seven-year-old boy from Texas, Troy Khoeler, was found dead in a washing machine, shocked and devastated everyone.
On July 28, just hours after his parents reported him missing, a seven-year-old Texas child was found dead in a washing machine. After being lost for two to three hours, Troy Khoeler was discovered. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the boy’s mother was working a shift at a local hospital and his father was at home.
Authorities said Troy’s parents reported him missing around 5:20 a.m. The child was last seen in the 4400 block of Rosegate in the Birnamwood community. The parents were interviewed by homicide police upon arrival. The authorities then decided to conduct a comprehensive house search.
Authorities discovered Troy fully clothed in a washing machine in the garage at 7:20 a.m. Harris County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Robert Minchew claimed he was unable to determine whether the machine’s lid was closed or not. The family may have adopted Troy, a foster child, in 2019, but officials are currently looking into the matter.
Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman wrote on Facebook that the family is asking for everyone’s prayers.
The Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the specific cause of Troy’s death, according to Minchew. He said, “They don’t know what happened, but they’re going to find out.” He is unable to determine whether he was killed by the washing machine or killed and thrown into it because they are simply too far apart.
Detectives did not find “much history” of calls coming from the home, according to Minchew.
No charges or arrests have been made and police are still investigating the incident. It is not known how the child ended up in the washing machine, which is in the family’s garage. The parents were taken into custody and further questioned at the sheriff’s office. No children live there anymore. Authorities have not said whether a crime is suspected or whether he entered the machine alone but said he was clothed when he was found.
The father’s relative says they learned about what happened from the news. He declined to speak on camera but said the family was shocked and upset.
Troy Khoeler’s death is a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and how quickly things can go wrong. It’s a reminder to keep our loved ones close and cherish the time we spend with them. The investigation into Troy’s death will hopefully provide answers and closure for his family and community. Until then, everyone mourns the loss of a young life taken far too soon.