7-year-old boy reported missing in Spring Thursday morning found dead in washing machine, HCSO says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A 7-year-old boy who was reported missing Thursday morning from Spring was found dead in a washing machine, according to an update from the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit.

The parents of Troy Khoeler made a missing persons report at about 5:20 a.m., according to authorities. Troy was last seen in the 4400 block of Rosegate in the Birnamwood subdivision.

Homicide unit officers arrived to the home and interviewed the parents. That's when authorities were led to search the home thoroughly, Lt. Robert Minchew said.

At about 7:20 a.m., officials found Troy fully clothed in the top-load washing machine, located in the garage.

Minchew said he could not comment on whether or not the machine's lid was closed.

Troy is a foster child, who had possibly been adopted by the family in 2019, but officials are still working to confirm that.

The parents were detained and taken to the sheriff's office for further interviewing.

No other children live with the family.

A relative of the father said they found out what happened on the news. He didn't want to go on camera but said the family feels blindsided by this, and they are heartbroken.

"We ask for everyone's prayers for the family," Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said in a Facebook post.

Spring ISD confirmed Troy was a student in the district. One of his former teachers described him as a bright kid who was full of energy and who will be missed.