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Authorities investigate the death of a 7-year-old boy found in a washing machine at a home in Spring on Thursday, July 28, 2022.
Troy Khoeler, 7, was last seen in the 4400 block of Rosegate Drive in the Birnam Wood neighborhood on July 28, 2022.
Troy Khoeler, 7, was last seen in the 4400 block of Rosegate Drive in the Birnam Wood neighborhood on July 28, 2022.
Troy Khoeler, 7, was last seen in the 4400 block of Rosegate Drive in the Birnam Wood neighborhood on July 28, 2022.
A 7-year-old boy who went missing early Thursday in Spring was found dead inside of a washing machine, according to authorities.
Troy Khoeler was reported missing around around 5:20 a.m. on the 4400 block of Rosegate Drive in the Birnam Wood neighborhood, according to the Harris County Pct. 4 Constable's Office.
Constable deputies initially looked outside the home and canvassed the neighborhood for almost two hours before going back into the residence and finding the boy inside of the family's washing machine, a spokesperson for the Harris County Sheriff's Office said.
The cause of death is pending an autopsy from the Harris County medical examiner, HCSO added.
It is believed the boy was adopted by the couple back in 2019, the HCSO spokesperson added. The couple was detained by authorities and taken in for questioning.
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The mother apparently had returned from her work shift shortly before the boy was reported missing, authorities said.
The neighborhood is a fairly quiet area and the thought of a violent crime possibly happening against a child is extremely disturbing, according to 61-year-old resident Sheri Barnes, who has lived on Rosegate Drive for four years.
"We just hope and pray that it was an accident," Barnes said. "I can't understand it. I'm praying for that family regardless of what has happened."
Authorities are encouraging residents to avoid this area as homicide investigators process the scene.
UPDATE : MISSING 7 YEAR OLD We are sad to report the missing 7 year old we posted on earlier in the 4400 block of Rosegate has been found deceased. A criminal investigation is underway please avoid the area. We ask for everyone’s prayers for the family. pic.twitter.com/Am4uMr10SX
NOW - MISSING 7 YEAR OLD BOY - 4400 block of Rosegate Dr. Birnamwood Subdivision - Troy Khoeler. He was last seen wearing a blue shirt & pants, has a small afro hair style. He has been missing for approximately 2-3 hours. pic.twitter.com/FyQ7vFYGME
No other information is available at this time.
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Joel Umanzor is a Hearst fellow working for the Houston Chronicle's Metro desk as a breaking news reporter
Originally from Richmond, California, he graduated from San Francisco State in 2021.
When not in the newsroom or chasing down a source, he can be found painting, listening to Hip-Hop or watching sports.
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