A Texas man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after the body of his 7-year-old adopted son was found inside a washing machine at their family home in 2022.
Jermaine Thomas, the adoptive father of Troy Koehler, was convicted of capital murder after the young boy was discovered dead, fully clothed, inside the top-loading appliance on July 28, 2022. The child had been reported missing earlier that day.
According to court documents, Troy’s body was covered with both fresh and older bruises, with injuries suggesting long-term abuse. A post-mortem examination concluded the cause of death as asphyxiation and blunt force trauma. Blood was also reportedly found inside the drum of the washing machine and elsewhere in the home.
During the sentencing, Sheryl Reed, a former teacher of Troy’s, gave an emotional statement. “His future, his dreams, his life—were stolen by someone who was supposed to love, protect, and nurture him,” Reed said, calling Troy “the son I never had.”
Troy was remembered as a bright and enthusiastic student with a passion for reading. “He loved sharing stories with his classmates,” Reed added.
Thomas' sentence effectively rules out the possibility of parole, with prosecutors referring to it as a “virtual life sentence.”
Thomas' wife, Tiffany Thomas, also faces charges of injury to a child by omission. She is seeking community supervision.
The case has sparked renewed calls for reforms in child welfare oversight, particularly concerning adoptive households and signs of abuse.
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