Police in Houston, Texas, confirmed that a couple who owned two restaurants and their two kids died in an apparent murder-suicide.
Matthew Mitchell, his wife, Thy Mitchell, and their two young children were shot and killed in their River Oaks residence, according to ABC 13. The identities were revealed on Tuesday, May 5, which was just one day after police reported to the family’s home and found them dead on Monday, May 4.
The Houston Police Department confirmed the shooting on May 5 in a press release, though they didn’t name the victims. However, police said the male suspect was 52 years old and the woman was 39 years old. Meanwhile, the juvenile female was 8 and the male juvenile was 4.
Police said that it appears the woman and two children were shot before the adult male died by suicide.
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“HPD patrol officers responded to a welfare check at a residence at the above address. They were told a family had not been heard from or seen since the previous night,” the press release stated. Once they entered the home, police found that all four individuals in the house had died.
The release continued, “Evidence on scene indicated the incident was a murder-suicide.”
Police have asked that anyone with information regarding the incident contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600.
Thy’s sister, Ly Mai, took to Facebook on May 5 to confirm her sister, niece and nephew were the victims in the shooting.
“We are heartbroken to share that my sister, Thy, and her beloved children, Maya and Max, passed away last night,” the post read. “Our family is grieving deeply and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be shared when they are available. Thank you for your understanding and support.”
Mai also shared several pictures of Thy with her children in the post, which showed the trio smiling as they spent time outdoors.
Matthew and Thy were the owners of two successful restaurants in Houston. They opened Traveler’s Table, which puts a modern spin on global dishes, in October 2019. They then opened their second restaurant, Traveler’s Cart, in 2024.
Following the tragedy, Thy’s publicist, Brittany Meisner, took to Instagram to share a tribute to her friend.
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“There are truly no words,” Meisner wrote alongside several photos that featured Thy. “Thy was not only a client, but a great friend. She was a devoted mother and business woman, and we are completely devastated and heartbroken a million times over again.”
Meisner said that Thy “was always on her own journey” and was “always looking for the next adventure, and we had a blast doing it together.”
“She will be dearly missed by many, including our team, who’s had the privilege of telling her story the last few years,” she continued. “I will cherish these memories of her and hold on to my faith when nothing makes sense. Young and innocent lives gone from this world way too soon.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
