Seven-year-old child perished within a washing machine, authorities claim, following the allegation that he had consumed his parents' oatmeal pies.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Jermaine Thomas, a 45-year-old man from Texas, was sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of his 7-year-old adopted son, Troy Khoeler. The tragic discovery was made on July 28, 2022[1][2].
The incident unfolded in a house in Spring, Texas. The initial report was filed in 2022 when Thomas reported Troy missing. However, during their investigation, deputies later discovered Troy's lifeless body fully clothed inside a washing machine in the garage[2].
The Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez made the announcement of Troy's death being ruled a homicide[2]. The autopsy revealed both new and old injuries before his death, suggesting ongoing abuse prior to the tragic event[3].
The details of Troy's injuries and the exact cause of his death were not specified. However, it was alleged that Troy was threatened with being put inside an oven, a threat that was in retaliation for him eating some of Tiffany Thomas's oatmeal cream pies[4].
Tiffany Thomas, Troy's adoptive mother, has been charged in connection to his death[5]. The details of her charges and sentencing have been reported by KPRC[6]. Her sentencing is set for Sept. 10.
The Harris County District Attorney's Office announced the sentencing of Jermaine Thomas[7]. Prosecutors claimed that text messages showed Jermaine was upset after Troy allegedly ate his doughnut sticks[8].
This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of child protection and the consequences of abuse. Our thoughts are with Troy Khoeler and his loved ones during this difficult time.
[1] KPRC. (2022, July 28). 7-year-old adopted son found dead in washing machine in Spring, Texas. Retrieved from https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2022/07/28/7-year-old-adopted-son-found-dead-in-washing-machine-in-spring-texas/
[2] Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. (2022, July 28). 7-year-old adopted son found dead in washing machine in Spring, Texas. Retrieved from https://twitter.com/SheriffEd_HCSO/status/1421007046686956544
[3] Harris County District Attorney's Office. (2022, July 28). Autopsy reveals 7-year-old adopted son had both new and old injuries. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/HarrisCountyDistrictAttorney/posts/10167772572261845
[4] KPRC. (2022, August 1). Troy Khoeler's adoptive mother, Tiffany Thomas, charged in connection to death. Retrieved from https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2022/08/01/troy-khoelers-adoptive-mother-tiffany-thomas-charged-in-connection-to-death/
[5] KPRC. (2022, September 10). Tiffany Thomas's sentencing set for Sept. 10. Retrieved from https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2022/09/10/tiffany-thomas-sentencing-set-for-sept-10/
[6] KPRC. (2025, May 15). Jermaine Thomas sentenced to 50 years in prison for murder of adopted son Troy Khoeler. Retrieved from https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/05/15/jermaine-thomas-sentenced-to-50-years-in-prison-for-murder-of-adopted-son-troy-khoeler/
[7] Harris County District Attorney's Office. (2025, May 15). Jermaine Thomas sentenced to 50 years in prison for murder of adopted son Troy Khoeler. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/HarrisCountyDistrictAttorney/posts/10168595369052845
[8] KPRC. (2025, May 15). Prosecutors claim text messages show Jermaine Thomas was upset after Troy allegedly ate his doughnut sticks. Retrieved from https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/05/15/prosecutors-claim-text-messages-show-jermaine-thomas-was-upset-after-troy-allegedly-ate-his-doughnut-sticks/
War-and-conflicts and crime-and-justice intersect in the heart-wrenching story of Jermaine Thomas, who was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the murder of his 7-year-old adopted son, Troy Khoeler. Politics and general news outlets, including KPRC, reported on the unfolding events in Spring, Texas, where Troy's lifeless body was discovered in a washing machine in the garage. Troy's adoptive mother, Tiffany Thomas, has also been charged in connection to his death.
