Adoptive Father Sentenced to 50 Years for Death of 7-Year-Old Found in Washing Machine

An adoptive father has been sentenced to 50 years behind bars after his seven-year-old son was found dead inside a washing machine.

Troy Koehler was shockingly found crammed inside a washing machine on July 28, 2022, at their family home in Spring, Texas. Thomas had reported Troy missing, but only hours later, police officers discovered the child’s body in the washing machine, fully clothed.

“Now, we will never know what he could have become,” his former teacher, Sheryl Reed, said during the sentencing of Thomas. “His future, his dreams, his life–were stolen by someone who was supposed to love, protect, and nurture him.”

A post-mortem examination revealed Troy had sustained fresh and historic injuries. Despite being found in the washing machine, there was no reference to drowning. His death was classified as a homicide and, according to courtroom documents, he died from asphyxiation and blunt force trauma.

ADVERTISEMENT

He had several bruises and scars across his body, along with facial injuries. Investigators also found blood on the drum of the washing machine and other parts of the house, according to court documents.

Thomas was charged with capital murder and will serve 50 years in prison, which is often regarded as a “virtual life sentence,” ruling out the possibility of parole. Thomas’ wife, Tiffany Thomas, was also charged in the case with injury to a child by omission. She is seeking community supervision. In court on Wednesday, distraught teacher Reed remembered the seven-year-old as a “son I never had.”