An adoptive father whose seven-year-old son was found dead in a washing machine has been handed a 50-year prison sentence.
Troy Koehler’s body was discovered inside the appliance at the family’s home.
The seven-year-old’s adopted dad, Jermaine Thomas, pleaded guilty to his murder.
READ MORE: Teen terror stopped in tracks after deliberately wheelie-ing into police officer
The 45-year-old was sentenced on Wednesday (30 Jul).
Tiffany Thomas, 38, the young boy’s adopted mother, was charged with injury to a child and also pleaded guilty.
Her bond has been set at $300,000 with sentencing scheduled for (10 Sep).
Harris County District Attorney’s Office revealed the adoptive parents had filed a missing persons report on the day Troy’s body was found.
The seven-year-old was discovered fully clothed in the washing machine at 07.20 am, as reported by Need To Know.
Lt. Robert Minchew of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit in Texas did a brief interview with the parents.
Troy would have been entering fifth grade (year six) this year.
His body was nearly on 28 July 2022 – just over three years to the day of Thomas’ sentencing.
“Now, we will never know what he could have become,” said Sheryl Reed, Troy’s beloved first-grade teacher, in court.
“His future, his dreams, his life – were stolen by someone who was supposed to love, protect, and nurture him.”
“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.
“That was always Troy.
“He loved reading. 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 with the joy he carried.
“But Troy wasn’t just leading his classmates–he led me, too.
“He led me to become a better teacher, a better mentor, and a better person.
“His energy, his smile, and his love for learning reminded me daily why I chose this path.”
