The Washing Machine Murder — Justice for 7-Year Old Troy Koehler

Investigators in Harris County uncovered the tragic case of 7-year-old Troy Koehler, who was found deceased in a washing machine in 2022. The adoptive father was convicted of murder, resulting in a 50-year sentence, while the mother received 10 years after pleading guilty to child injury.

On July 28, 2022, Tiffany Thomas called 911 around 5:19 a.m. to report her son missing from their Rosegate Drive home in Harris County, Texas. Deputies arrived and began searching the house, yard, and neighborhood with drones and dogs.

At approximately 7:10 a.m., Deputy A. Chavez lifted the lid of a top-loading washer in the garage. Inside was 7-year-old Troy Koehler. His father, Jemaine Thomas, pushed past officers, pulled his son from the machine, and CPR was attempted — but it was too late.

Investigators documented Troy’s condition: his torso was cold, his limbs warm, his pants pulled down to his knees, blood around his nose, and a bump on his forehead. His clothing was damp, and the odor of urine emanated from his body. Blood stains were found in the washer drum.

Both parents gave inconsistent accounts. Tiffany claimed she left for work at 6:30 p.m. the night before, locking the doors and last seeing Troy before bed. Jemaine said he got home at 11 p.m., couldn’t find Troy, texted Tiffany, then “went to sleep” until 4 a.m.

Surveillance video contradicted them: Troy was seen outside playing alone between 8:14 p.m. and 8:35 p.m. No sign of either parent searching later that night.

911 records also conflicted with the parents’ interviews, exposing lies and omissions.

Autopsy and Forensic Evidence

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled Troy’s death a homicide. Autopsy findings included:

• Asphyxiation and possible drowning (fluid in sinuses, petechiae).

• Old and new blunt-force trauma.

• Multiple scars, bruises, and facial injuries.

The washer’s manufacturer confirmed that the lid had to be closed and the “Start” button pressed to run — Troy could not have put himself inside and triggered the machine.

History of Abuse and CPS Failures

Records showed CPS had investigated the Thomases twice in 2022 after school staff reported suspicious injuries, including blackened eyes and facial bruises. Despite this, Troy remained in the home.

Cellphone data exposed chilling messages between Tiffany and Jemaine:

• Tiffany: “I threatened to put him in the stove and turn it on.”

• Jemaine: “I’m going to end up killing him. You’ll come home and he’ll be hanging from the tree outside.”

• Tiffany: “I’m so sick of this boy… I don’t want him in this house anymore.”

These texts painted a clear picture of intent, resentment, and escalating abuse.

• Jemaine Thomas pled guilty to murder in July 2024. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison.

• Tiffany Thomas pled guilty to injury to a child in February 2024. In September 2024, she was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Prosecutors cited cellphone messages, forensic findings, and inconsistencies as overwhelming evidence.

In court, Troy’s first-grade teacher, Sheryl Reed, gave a victim impact statement: “Now, we will never know what he could have become. His future, his dreams, his life — stolen by someone who was supposed to love, protect, and nurture him.”

Troy was remembered as a bright student who loved to read and share stories. His teacher said he inspired her to be a better educator and person.

The Harris County DA summed it up: “His life was stolen by those who were supposed to protect him.”

But many are left asking: Why wasn’t CPS able to stop this? And did Tiffany Thomas’s lighter sentence reflect true justice?