A former Ohio attorney has been found guilty of attempting to kill his ex-wife after confronting her with a loaded handgun inside a Toledo restaurant. The weapon did not fire, however, because its safety mechanism was engaged, giving restaurant staff and patrons time to intervene.
Gun Fails to Fire During Restaurant Confrontation
Matthew Exton, 43, was convicted of attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault following the April 11, 2025, incident at Souk restaurant in Toledo.
According to evidence presented during the case, Exton entered the restaurant armed with a handgun and pointed it toward his former wife. He then pulled the trigger several times, but the firearm failed to discharge because the safety was still on.
As Exton attempted to get the weapon working, a waiter tackled him. Other people at the restaurant also helped stop the confrontation before anyone was shot. Investigators later determined that the firearm contained one round in the chamber and seven additional rounds in its magazine.
Ex-Wife Describes Repeated Attempts to Fire
Exton’s former wife told the court that she heard multiple rapid clicking sounds as he attempted to fire the gun at her.
During the trial, Exton denied that he intended to kill her. He said he had been struggling emotionally following their 2024 divorce and claimed the circumstances surrounding the confrontation were different from the prosecution’s account.
The jury ultimately rejected his defense on the attempted-murder charge. He was acquitted of one felonious-assault charge but convicted on the remaining charges, including firearm specifications.
Former Attorney Could Face Up to 25 Years
Exton could receive a prison sentence of up to 25 years. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 21, 2026.
His law license was suspended following the incident. Prosecutors also praised the restaurant employees and customers who intervened, saying their actions helped prevent the situation from becoming a fatal shooting.
