Former lawyer convicted of attempted murder after pointing gun at ex-wife in Ohio restaurant

A former attorney, 43, was convicted by a Lucas County jury of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault and several firearm offenses after he pointed a handgun at his ex-wife in a downtown Toledo restaurant on April 11, 2025. Prosecutors said the man, Matthew Exton, had been drinking at a nearby bar when he saw his ex-wife and her family celebrating the restaurant’s opening night. He entered the venue, ordered a drink to be sent to her table and left after spitting toward the group. He later returned with a handgun, aimed it at his ex-wife’s table and attempted to fire, but the weapon did not discharge because the safety was engaged.

Surveillance video captured a waiter and other patrons rushing the suspect and restraining him on the floor before he could attempt to fire again. The gun was found to contain one round in the chamber and seven in the magazine. Exton testified that he did not intend to pull the trigger, claiming his aim was to pressure his ex-wife to expedite the sale of their former home.

"Nothing in their training and soft openings at restaurants could have prepared the staff for what walked through the door," Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates said, adding that the defendant came with the intention to kill his ex-wife.

Exton was acquitted of a third felonious assault charge and was removed from the courtroom during closing arguments after repeatedly interrupting prosecutors. The Ohio Supreme Court suspended his law license in May 2025. He faces up to 25 years in prison and is scheduled for sentencing on September 21.