Matthew Exton, 43, a former attorney, was convicted of attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault after prosecutors say he confronted his ex-wife with a Colt Defender at Sabira restaurant in Toledo on April 11, 2025. The gun did not fire because its safety was engaged, and a waiter tackled Exton before additional shots could be fired. Exton denied an intent to shoot; he was acquitted on one assault count and faces sentencing later this month.
Former Ohio Lawyer Convicted Of Attempted Murder After Pointing Gun At Ex-Wife In Toledo Restaurant
Prosecutors say Matthew Exton tried to shoot his ex-wife on April 11, 2025, at Sabira restaurant in downtown Toledo. (Lucas County Prosecutor's Office)
A former attorney, Matthew Exton, 43, was convicted of attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault after prosecutors say he confronted his ex-wife with a handgun at Sabira restaurant in downtown Toledo on April 11, 2025.
Prosecutors say Exton approached the table where his ex-wife and her family were seated during the restaurant's opening-night event, pulled a Colt Defender from his pocket, and aimed it at the woman. Video released by the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office shows Exton removing the handgun and pointing it at the table before a waiter tackled him.
Investigators found one round in the chamber and seven in the magazine; the weapon did not fire because the safety was engaged. The victim later filed a protection order stating Exton pulled the trigger multiple times and the firearm made rapid "click" noises.
Trial Testimony and Background
At trial, Exton testified that he previously worked as a prosecutor in Michigan and was licensed to practice law in Ohio. He said he handled divorce, family and bankruptcy cases, and told the court he became homeless after the couple's 2024 divorce. Exton denied intending to shoot his ex-wife, telling jurors, "I did not fire. I did not hurt her. I did not try to hurt her."
Charges, Verdict and Next Steps
Jurors found Exton guilty of attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault, with sentencing enhancements attached to all three convictions. He was acquitted on a separate assault count. Sentencing is scheduled for later this month.
"Nothing in their training and soft openings at the restaurant could have prepared the staff for what walked through that door," said Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia Bates. "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."
The case drew attention for the public setting of the incident, the role of restaurant staff in subduing the attacker, and the video evidence shown at trial. The victim's protection order and prosecutor statements were key elements cited by the state in court.
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