'Public Execution': Former Lawyer Convicted After Heroic Waiter and Diners Stop Restaurant Shooting Attempt on Ex-Wife

Former Ohio attorney Matthew Exton has been convicted of attempted murder after pointing a loaded handgun at his ex-wife in a crowded Toledo restaurant, where a waiter and diners rushed in to restrain him when the weapon failed to fire.

A Lucas County jury found the 43-year-old guilty of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault and multiple firearm specifications. He was acquitted of a third felonious assault charge and is scheduled to be sentenced on 21 September.

The incident took place at Sabira, an Italian restaurant in downtown Toledo, on 11 April 2025, during the venue's opening-night celebrations. Prosecutors alleged that Exton targeted his former wife while she was dining with her parents.

Former Attorney Convicted Over Restaurant Shooting Attempt

Exton had been drinking at a neighbouring bar when he saw his ex-wife and her family at Sabira, Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates said. He entered the restaurant, arranged for a drink to be sent to their table and later spat towards the group as he left.

Prosecutors said Exton then returned carrying a handgun and approached his former wife's table. They alleged that he pointed the weapon at her and attempted to fire at close range, but it did not discharge because the safety was engaged.

The handgun contained one round in the chamber and seven more in its magazine, according to prosecutors. The Independent's court report said CCTV footage showed a waiter and patrons tackling Exton and holding him on the floor.

Exton's former wife told the court she believed she was about to die when the gun was aimed at her. 'I knew I was dead,' she said, according to The Toledo Blade's trial coverage.

Prosecutor Alleges 'Public Execution'

Bates told jurors that Exton had not gone to Sabira with the intention of eating. 'The defendant did not come with the intention of having a meal,' she said.

'He came with anger in him and with the intention to commit a public execution of his ex-wife at the restaurant that day,' Bates added.

The description was the prosecution's characterisation of Exton's alleged intention, not separate language in the jury's verdict.

The prosecutor praised the restaurant workers and customers who stepped in during the confrontation. 'Nothing in their training and soft openings at restaurants could have prepared the staff for what walked through the door,' Bates said.

Jurors heard competing accounts of Exton's intention in returning to the restaurant with the handgun. Prosecutors argued that the weapon, the alleged attempt to fire it and the setting supported the attempted murder charge.

Exton Raises House Sale Dispute

Exton testified that he did not intend to pull the trigger and said he wanted to pressure his former wife over the sale of their former home. He claimed he wanted her to understand he was serious about obtaining his share of the proceeds.

During his evidence, Exton described the prompt sale of the property as his 'primary interest' during the divorce. He said he had been homeless after leaving the house and needed money to establish a place to live.

Exton estimated the property was worth about $450,000 (about £331,000). He said the proceeds would be divided after taxes, bills and other costs, although he did not state a final sum he expected to receive.

He said he sent the drink and spat outside the restaurant 'to be a jerk' because he was frustrated. In Law&Crime Trials' video of his testimony, Exton said he pointed his Colt Defender handgun at his former wife to show he was 'serious' about receiving the house-sale proceeds promptly.

Prosecutors disputed the explanation, arguing that Exton's armed return to Sabira showed an intent to kill. The jury convicted him of attempted murder after hearing both the prosecution case and his evidence.

Sentencing Hearing Set for September

Exton was removed from the courtroom during closing arguments after repeatedly interrupting prosecutors. He watched the verdict from a holding area, according to The Independent's account of the proceedings.

The Ohio Supreme Court imposed an immediate interim remedial suspension on Exton's law licence on 6 May 2025, barring him from practising while proceedings continued. His sentencing hearing is set for 21 September.