Missing 7-year-old boy found dead in garage washing machine, Texas authorities say

Update: The 7-year-old boy was found dead inside a top-loading washing machine in his home’s garage, authorities said in a news conference recorded by KPRC.

The child’s parents have been separated and detained for interviews — a standard process in a death investigation, Lt. Robert Minchew with Harris County Sheriff’s Office said. His homicide unit is assisting the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office.

“We don’t know what happened, but we intend to find out,” he continued. A cause of death has not been determined.

The original story begins below.

A 7-year-old boy had been missing for a few hours before his body was found, according to Texas authorities.

Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman announced Troy Khoeler was missing from the Birnam Wood neighborhood in Spring shortly before 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 28.

He is believed to have vanished between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.

Minutes before 8 a.m., Herman updated the child was found dead.

His body was found inside a Spring home, according to KPRC.

“A criminal investigation is underway,” Herman said. “ ... We ask for everyone’s prayers for the family.”

Authorities have not provided any other information regarding the boy’s disappearance or cause of death.

Spring is about 25 miles north of Houston.

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