Nearly three years after 7-year-old Troy Koehler was found dead inside a washing machine, his adoptive father has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the boy’s murder.
Jermaine Thomas learned his fate on Wednesday, just days after the anniversary of Troy’s tragic death. The sentencing followed an emotional courtroom hearing, where family, teachers, and prosecutors reflected on the life and suffering of the child.
On July 28, 2022, Thomas reported Troy missing from their home in the Birnam Wood subdivision. He claimed he returned just before midnight and found the front door unlocked. But hours later, Harris County deputies discovered the boy’s fully clothed body stuffed inside a top-loading washing machine.
An autopsy confirmed that Troy had suffered both recent and older injuries, and his death was ruled a homicide. Authorities later revealed that Child Protective Services had prior history with the family.
During the sentencing hearing, Sheryl Reed, Troy’s former first-grade teacher, gave a powerful victim impact statement.
“Now, we will never know what he could have become,” she said. “His future, his dreams, his life—were stolen by someone who was supposed to love, protect, and nurture him.”
Reed remembered Troy as a vibrant, kind-hearted child who loved reading and had a passion for Sonic the Hedgehog.
“He was the son I never had,” she told the court. “If he finished early, he’d head straight to our class library. Then he’d go right back to share those stories with classmates… always lifting others up with the joy he carried.”
“He wasn’t just a 7-year-old boy found in a washing machine. I wanted to speak for Troy and advocate for him.”
Tiffany Thomas, Jermaine’s wife and Troy’s adoptive mother, has also been charged with injury to a child by omission. She is currently seeking community supervision.
At the time of his death, Troy had been preparing to start fifth grade. Now, those who loved him hope his memory will inspire change. Reed shared that she plans to launch a foundation in Troy’s name to advocate for children who are suffering from abuse and neglect.
Troy’s death, and the disturbing details surrounding it, have drawn renewed attention to child protection services and the systems meant to safeguard vulnerable children.
