Former Ohio lawyer convicted of attempted murder after restaurant gun incident

A former attorney was convicted of attempted murder and two felonious assault counts after he pointed a handgun at his ex-wife during a restaurant opening in Toledo, Ohio. Prosecutors said the gun’s safety was engaged, preventing it from firing, and a waiter tackled the suspect before he could attempt another shot. The Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office announced the convictions on Friday and noted that sentencing is set for later this month.

Matthew Exton, 43, testified that he had previously worked as a prosecutor in Michigan and was licensed to practice law in Ohio. He said he became homeless after his 2024 divorce and was frustrated by aspects of the separation. Exton claimed he only intended to show seriousness about a court order and denied trying to shoot his ex-wife, stating, "I did not fire. I did not hurt her. I did not try to hurt her."

According to court filings, Exton ordered a drink, spat toward his ex-wife’s table, and later returned with a Colt Defender handgun. Video released by the prosecutor’s office shows him approaching the table, pointing the weapon at his ex-wife’s chest, and pulling the trigger, which produced rapid "click" noises. The ex-wife later filed a protection order describing the incident.

"Nothing in their training and soft openings at the restaurant could have prepared the staff for what walked through that door," Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia Bates said. "The defendant did not come with the intention of having a meal. He came with anger in him and with the intention to commit a public execution of his ex-wife at the restaurant that day."

Exton was acquitted of one assault count. He faces sentencing enhancements linked to the three convictions.