HOUSTON — The family of Thy Mai released its first and only official public statement on Monday, addressing rumors surrounding her death and announcing the creation of a memorial foundation. Police say Matthew Mitchell murdered his wife, Thy Mai, and their two young children before killing himself.

Officers with the Houston Police Department responded to a welfare check at a home in the 2100 block of Kingston Street around 5:25 p.m. on May 4. Inside the residence, investigators found four people dead: a 52-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman, an 8-year-old girl, and a 4-year-old boy. Investigators believe the man shot the three victims before turning the gun on himself. Property records linked the home to Matthew and Thy Mitchell.

According to the family statement, the children's babysitter went to pick up Max and Maya from school but found they had never arrived. After repeated phone calls went unanswered, Thy Mai's sister contacted 911 and requested a welfare check at the family's home. No relatives or other individuals entered the home before law enforcement arrived, and the family turned over all security camera footage recorded inside the residence to investigators to assist with the case.

The statement said reports claiming Mai was pregnant at the time of her death are false. According to the statement, "No law enforcement official has made such a statement, and no such information appears in the autopsy report." The statement also said, "We respectfully ask for privacy, compassion, and accuracy in reporting as the investigation continues."

The family asked that Thy be remembered by her maiden name, Mai, and announced the creation of the Thy Mai Foundation in honor of Thy, Maya, and Max. The Greater Houston Chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association has established a scholarship in memory of Mai and her children, and the Texas Restaurant Foundation has established the Thy Mai, Maya & Max Memorial Hospitality Scholarship.

Traveler's Table and Traveler's Cart will continue normal operations at this time, according to the statement. Foreign Fare will temporarily pause operations as the family focuses on funeral arrangements and grieving.