Ohio man convicted of attempted murder after pointing gun at ex-wife in Toledo restaurant
A former attorney was found guilty of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault and related firearm offenses for trying to shoot his ex-wife at a Toledo eatery, with sentencing set for September 2026.
A jury in Lucas County convicted Matthew Exton, 43, of attempted murder after he entered an Italian restaurant in Toledo and pointed a handgun at his ex-wife, Kada Malone, who was dining with her parents. Surveillance video showed Exton first ordering a drink for the table, spitting toward the family, and later returning with the weapon, pulling the trigger while Malone raised her hands. The gun did not fire because the safety was engaged, and a waiter tackled Exton before he could attempt another shot. Prosecutors noted a round was chambered and seven additional bullets were in the magazine.
Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia R. Bates said Exton came to the restaurant with the intention of a "public execution" of his ex-wife and praised the patrons and staff who intervened. The jury, which delivered its verdict on September 4, found Exton guilty of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault for the assault on Malone’s parents, and firearm specifications attached to each count.
During the trial, Exton reacted violently, shouting lyrics from a song and making a gun-like gesture toward an assistant prosecutor, leading to his removal from the courtroom. The judge instructed jurors to disregard his behavior when deliberating. Exton, a former lawyer and prosecutor, is scheduled for sentencing on September 21, 2026.