Sister Confirms Loss of Thy, Maya and Max as Authorities Investigate Family Tragedy
Houston police say Matthew Mitchell, 52, fatally shot wife Thy, 39, and children ages 8 and 4 before killing himself in River Oaks home May 4
Houston's restaurant community is reeling after the Mitchell family were found dead Monday evening inside their River Oaks home. Police say the deaths of Matthew Mitchell, 52, his wife Thy, 39, and their two children are being investigated as an apparent murder-suicide. The discovery has left friends, employees, and neighbors struggling to understand how a family known for hospitality could face such an end.
Officers were called to 2113 Kingston Street around 5:25 p.m. on May 4 for a welfare check after a babysitter and a family member could not reach anyone inside. Houston police entered the residence and found four bodies with gunshot wounds. The scene was secured, and homicide detectives began processing evidence through the evening as the tree-lined street filled with patrol cars.
The Houston Police Department identified Matthew Mitchell as the alleged shooter, stating that evidence indicates he shot his wife and two children before taking his own life. Investigators have not released a motive and say the sequence will be confirmed after forensic analysis. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is conducting autopsies and formal identifications, standard procedure in cases involving multiple deaths.
Thy Mitchell's sister, Ly Mai, confirmed in a post that her sister and the young children, 8-year-old Maya and 4-year-old Max, had died. She asked for privacy as the extended family grieves. While police await official verification, the family's statement has helped friends begin to mourn, sharing photos and memories of a mother devoted to her children and community.
Matthew and Thy Mitchell were known in Houston's Montrose neighborhood as owners of Traveler's Table, opened in 2019, and Traveler's Cart, launched in 2024. Both concepts earned praise for popular globally inspired menus and welcoming service. A spokesperson for their hospitality group confirmed Tuesday that the deceased were the Mitchell family, and both restaurants closed as staff processed the news.
Murder-suicides involving families, while rare, leave trauma for survivors and communities. Experts note that warning signs are not always visible, and stress, isolation, or mental health concerns can escalate without intervention. In Texas, resources are available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, domestic violence hotlines, and local counseling centers that offer confidential support for anyone in crisis or worried about a loved one.
Houston police continue to collect evidence, including firearms records, communications, and recent witness statements from those who saw the family in recent days. Investigators are working to establish a timeline leading up to Monday afternoon. Officials have not indicated prior calls for service at the residence, but emphasize that the investigation remains active and open to new information.
The loss of a family has prompted an outpouring of grief across Houston's food scene and beyond. Colleagues describe the Mitchells as restaurateurs who built community around their tables. As the city mourns, advocates urge anyone struggling with thoughts of harming themselves or others to reach out immediately for help, and remind neighbors to check in, listen without judgment, and connect people to resources before a crisis deepens.
