A 7-year-old Texas boy was found dead in a washing machine two hours after his parents reported him missing, according to authorities.
Thursday at approximately 5 : 20 this morning, Troy Khoeler’s parents filed a missing person report, said Lt. Robert Minchew of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at a press conference captured by Houston KHOU.
When officers arrived at the home, they “did a brief missing person report interview” with Troy’s parents, Minchew said.
“The things they observed led them to thoroughly search the house at that time. They found a deceased 7-year-old boy in the washing machine in the garage.” He later said that Troy was found at 7: 20 am
The homicide unit was then called in to investigate, and the boy’s parents were “separated and detained, which is standard procedure,” Minchew said.
According to authorities, Troy was a foster child whom the parents possibly adopted from 2019. They are working to confirm if the family officially adopted him.
When asked what caused the police to search the house, Minchew said it was “standard police procedure” adding: “It was early in the morning, there was no indication that the door had been opened or window. After searching the neighborhood, they were unable to find the boy. So the next logical step, I think, is to search the house”.
He added that it is not clear if the boy got into the washing machine on his own and said that he “could not comment” on any possible foul play. So far, no arrests have been made.
“Obviously it’s a traumatic situation for the family and anyone involved. It’s just more conducive to getting them away from the house,” Minchew said of Troy’s parents.
The authorities they are waiting for the medical examiner’s office to determine Troy’s cause of death. He was dressed when he was found in the top-loading washer. Minchew could not confirm if he was closed or open.
Mark Herman, the Harris County Constable for Precinct 4, also shared the news of the missing boy on Twitter, writing: “He was last seen wearing a blue shirt and pants, he has a little afro hairstyle . He has been missing for about 2-3 hours.”
Herman also confirmed Troy’s death on Twitter, but did not share details.
“We are sad to report that the missing 7-year-old boy previously posted on the block 4400 of Rosegate was found dead” , he wrote. “A criminal investigation is underway, please avoid the area. We ask everyone’s prayers for the family.”
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