Overview

• Thomas pleaded guilty in late July and was formally sentenced this week to 50 years for fatally abusing his 7-year-old adopted son in 2022.
• Officers found Troy Koehler fully clothed inside a top-loading washing machine at the family’s Spring, Texas home, and an autopsy revealed a mix of new and old injuries.
• Court records include a text from Thomas threatening to kill Troy over missing doughnut sticks, underscoring evidence of premeditated abuse.
• The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services had prior involvement with the Thomas family, prompting questions about systemic safeguards.
• Troy’s adoptive mother, Tiffany Thomas, pleaded guilty to injury to a child by omission and faces a September 10 sentencing hearing.