The Houston community is mourning the loss of a beloved business owner and mom of two. Thy Mitchell owned two popular Houston restaurants with her husband. She also was a prominent member of the Texas Restaurant Association and was generally loved by many in the restaurant and hospitality business. Sadly, Mitchell was killed, alongside her two young children, evidently by her husband.
He apparently then turned the gun on himself. Details about what led to the murder-suicide are still being investigated, but that is not stopping the outpouring of love for Mitchell from those who knew her.
Police immediately branded the killings a murder-suicide.
The bodies of the family members were found just before 5:30 p.m. on May 4, 2026, according to a news release from the Houston Police Department. A 39-year-old woman, 8-year-old girl and 4-year-old boy were found fatally shot. A 52-year-old man was also found with gunshot wounds that appeared to be from suicide. At the time of the release, the identities of the people were not released.
“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. Officers entered the residence and located four unresponsive individuals with gunshot wounds,” the news release reads.
According to the release, evidence showed that the shootings were a murder-suicide, with the man shooting the other victims before shooting himself.
On May 5, the family was identified in a report from ABC 13. The adults were named as Thy Mitchell and her husband Matthew. Their children were also killed. According to the outlet, the Mitchells were a well-known couple in Houston because they owned two restaurants, Traveler’s Table and Traveler’s Cart. They also owned a clothing brand.
Matthew Mitchell was named the suspect in the killings.
According to the Houston Police Department, no prior records of domestic violence calls to the Mitchells’ home were found. Police are asking for anyone with insight into what led to the killings to step forward.
Ly Mai, Mitchell’s sister, confirmed the deaths in a Facebook post.
“We are heartbroken to share that my sister, Thy, and her beloved children, Maya and Max, passed away last night,” Mai wrote. “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.”
Thy’s father, Thuy Mai, shared Ly’s post, adding, “We are devastated…. Due to depression mental health and Texas gun law.” He didn’t elaborate further.
He gave more insight into what led to the discovery of his daughter and grandchildren’s deaths.
“The family can also confirm that the welfare check was initiated after the children’s babysitter went to the school to pick up Max and Maya and discovered the children had never arrived,” he wrote in a Facebook post on May 19.
“After repeated calls went unanswered, 911 was contacted to request a welfare check by Thy’s sister at the residence. No family member or individual entered the home prior to law enforcement responding,” his post continued.
He also mentioned in the post that both Traveler’s Table and Traveler’s Cart “will continue normal operations at this time.” Mai also mentioned that the family was creating the Thy Mai Foundation “in honor of Thy, Maya, and Max and their lasting impact on the community.”
“The family turned over all security camera videos recorded in the residence to the police to aid the investigation,” he wrote. “We respectfully ask for privacy, compassion, and accuracy in reporting as the investigation continues.”
Many people have been paying tribute to Thy Mitchell.
Brittany Meisner, who did publicity for Mitchell, shared a tribute on Instagram.
“There are truly no words. 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,” she wrote. “Young and innocent lives gone from this world way too soon. Sending you a big hug, my friend…. I hate this for you.”
“She was so energetic. She loved the restaurant world,” Chef Jassi Bindra, who was working on an upcoming project with Mitchell, told ABC 13. “It’s really shocking to hear what happened. All our support goes to her family and friends.”
Local Texas Restaurant Association President Craig Howard also spoke with the outlet about the loss.
“We saw such a bright star with Thy that we asked her to serve on our board. We knew she would inject some new ideas,” he shared. “It looked like this was a successful power couple doing this together.”
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
