Family of Traveler's Table owner shares statement after couple, 2 kids found dead in murder-suicide

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The family of one of the owners of Traveler's Table is asking for privacy, compassion, and accuracy after a couple and their two kids were killed in a murder-suicide.

Houston police reported that Thy and Matthew Mitchell, as well as their two children, were found dead in their River Oaks-area home on May 4. Investigators said the discovery was made during a welfare check that evening.

HPD is calling Matthew the suspect in the case. The news sent shockwaves across the city, as the couple had several thriving businesses.

RELATED: Owners of Traveler's Table and their 2 children killed in River Oaks murder-suicide

The family of the restaurant owner, who refers to her as Thy Mai, released a statement on Tuesday, stating in part:

This statement is the first and only official statement from the family of Thy Mai since the initial news reports...

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. 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.

In regard to the family's businesses, Traveler's Table and Traveler's Cart will continue normal operations at this time. Foreign Fare will be temporarily paused as the family focuses on funeral arrangements and time to grieve. Operations will resume at a later date in honor of Thy and the passion she poured into it.

The family is also in the process of creating a Thy Mai Foundation in honor of Thy, Maya, and Max and their lasting impact on the community.

Additionally, the family is deeply honored that the Texas Restaurant Foundation and the Greater Houston Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association have established the Thy Mai, Maya & Max Memorial Hospitality Scholarship to celebrate their memory and support future generations in the hospitality industry

The family turned over all security camera videos recorded in the residence to the police to aid the investigation.

We respectfully ask for privacy, compassion, and accuracy in reporting as the investigation continues.

Earlier this month, Traveler's Table and the Texas Restaurant Association issued their own statements after the incident.

The restaurant owners were well-known figures in the city's culinary landscape. Together, they owned and operated the popular eateries Traveler's Table and Traveler's Cart, along with a clothing brand.

Just last year, the Houston Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association named them the 2025 Restaurateurs of the Year.