I don't think the washer and dryer being in a garage is weird or uncommon. But the fact that a kid would hide (whether playing or not), or somehow be placed into a washing machine in a garage in a very, very hot climate in summer is more questionable than if the washer was inside the house (which would, of course, still be very questionable). I teach kids Troy's age, I'm very familiar with kids in that age range - while I think a lot of kids in that age range
could fit into a larger washing machine, I don't think most of them would do that without a reason (ex: hiding in fear). A washing machine is absolutely not a comfortable place to hide (for fun) or play. I mean, it's a washing machine!
I feel he was possibly hiding in the washing machine from something/someone in the house who was scaring him, and then sadly died in a tragic accident. It is also very possible he was murdered and then dumped in the washing machine. I truly don't know how I feel for sure because there are lots of questions and unknown variables in this case. Either way, IMO, it was likely very avoidable and caused by negligence at some level. Horrible, awful tragedy either way - seeing sweet little Troy's face in his pictures makes me so sad for what happened to him.
I am awaiting autopsy results before I make up my mind about this one.