Missing Houston 7-Year-Old Found Dead In Washing Machine In Garage Of Family Home

A 7-year-old boy was found dead inside his family home. Police say the boy's body was pulled from inside the washing machine, which was located in the garage.

Police say that the child, Troy Khoeler, was reported missing on Thursday at 5:20 a.m. by his parents.

Lieutenant Robert Minchew of the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit spoke in a press conference about what happened when police arrived at the home.

Minchew revealed that police felt compelled to search the home after speaking with the child's parents. Around two hours after he was reported missing, the child was found dead.

"Things that they observed led them to search the house thoroughly at that point," Minchew said. "They found a deceased 7-year-old child in the washing machine in the garage."

Minchew also revealed that the parents were "separated and detained."

The child was reportedly a foster child who may have been adopted by the family in 2019. Minchew said that the investigation is active and ongoing. He couldn't comment on whether it was believed that the boy got into the washing machine on his own or if foul play was indicated in any way.