Missing 7-year-old boy found dead in garage washing machine, Texas authorities say

Update: The 7-year-old boy was found dead inside a top-loading washing machine in his home’s garage, authorities said in a news conference recorded by KPRC.

The child’s parents have been separated and detained for interviews — a standard process in a death investigation, Lt. Robert Minchew with Harris County Sheriff’s Office said. His homicide unit is assisting the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office.

“We don’t know what happened, but we intend to find out,” he continued. A cause of death has not been determined.

The original story begins below.

A 7-year-old boy had been missing for a few hours before his body was found, according to Texas authorities.

Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman announced Troy Khoeler was missing from the Birnam Wood neighborhood in Spring shortly before 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 28.

He is believed to have vanished between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.

Minutes before 8 a.m., Herman updated the child was found dead.

His body was found inside a Spring home, according to KPRC.

“A criminal investigation is underway,” Herman said. “ ... We ask for everyone’s prayers for the family.”

Authorities have not provided any other information regarding the boy’s disappearance or cause of death.

Spring is about 25 miles north of Houston.

This story was originally published July 28, 2022 at 9:15 AM with the headline "Missing 7-year-old boy found dead in garage washing machine, Texas authorities say."