Crime Theories

Authorities in Texas have released a report showing that a 7-year-old boy found dead in a washing machine suffered a traumatic childhood and had multiple interactions with child protective services before his death.

Prior to Troy Khoeler, 7, being discovered dead inside a washing machine in Harris County, Texas, in July, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) conducted two investigations over a four-month period, according to a report that was made public, KRIV-TV reported.

After authorities were unable to establish whether the bruises and marks on Khoeler’s body were caused by abuse or accidents involving other children as the parents claimed, both investigations were ended.

The parents who adopted Khoeler from foster care in 2019—Jermaine Thomas, 42, and Tiffany Thomas, 35—were detained and charged in relation to Khoeler’s passing last month. Khoeler was abused and traumatized throughout his life, according to the study. His drug withdrawal symptoms first appeared when he was a newborn after his biological mother acknowledged consuming Xanax and hydrocodone without a prescription while she was pregnant.

When both of their opiates tests came back positive, Khoeler was taken from his mother’s care because to worries that she did not grasp his feeding regimen.

Khoeler’s bruises around his eyes were reported to child protection authorities in January, and the young boy claimed his cousin had assaulted him with a toy. However, the report indicates that Khoeler was unable to provide any additional information and that his story did not seem to be compatible with the marks.