Ohio Lawyer Convicted of Attempted Murder After Gun Safety Stops Point-Blank Shooting of Ex-Wife

Former Ohio attorney Matthew Exton has been convicted of attempted murder after prosecutors said he tried to shoot his ex-wife at point-blank range inside a crowded Toledo restaurant. The attack was stopped when the loaded handgun failed to fire because its safety was still engaged, giving a waiter time to tackle Exton before he could try again.

The dramatic incident, which happened in April 2025, was captured on surveillance footage and has resurfaced after Exton's conviction in September 2026. The case has drawn attention not only because of the attempted shooting, but also because of the split-second intervention by restaurant worker Tracy Cole Jr., who prosecutors credited with helping prevent a potentially fatal attack.

Matthew Exton Tried To Shoot His Ex-Wife

The incident took place on 11 April 2025, at Sabira, an Italian restaurant in downtown Toledo, during its opening night.

According to prosecutors, Exton had been drinking at a neighbouring establishment when he noticed his former wife dining with members of her family. He entered the restaurant, sent a drink towards their table and later left.

Prosecutors said Exton then returned carrying a loaded handgun and walked towards his ex-wife's table. He pointed the weapon at her and attempted to fire.

The gun did not discharge as its safety mechanism was still engaged, preventing the weapon from firing at the woman sitting just feet away.

Waiter Tracy Cole Jr. Tackled the Armed Attorney

As Exton attempted to deal with the weapon, waiter Tracy Cole Jr. rushed towards him and tackled him. Other employees and diners also moved in to help restrain Exton until police arrived.

Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates later praised the restaurant staff and customers who intervened, saying they could not have been prepared for what happened that evening. She described Exton's alleged intention as a 'public execution' of his ex-wife.

The surveillance footage became a significant part of the prosecution's case, showing the confrontation unfold inside the restaurant. Cole has since been widely praised for his actions, with coverage of the case highlighting how quickly he reacted when he realised the woman was in immediate danger.

Exton Claimed He Never Intended To Pull the Trigger

During his trial, Exton acknowledged pointing the firearm at his ex-wife but disputed prosecutors' interpretation of his intentions.

According to reporting on the case, he claimed he was attempting to pressure his former wife over the sale of their former home and said he did not intend to actually shoot her. Prosecutors rejected that explanation, pointing to the loaded weapon, the surveillance footage and Exton's actions inside the restaurant.

Exton had also previously pursued an insanity defence, but a judge ruled before the trial that he was not suffering from a severe mental disease or defect at the time of the incident.

Jury Finds Former Lawyer Guilty

A Lucas County jury found Exton guilty on 5 September 2026, of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault and multiple firearm specifications. He was acquitted on another felonious assault charge.

The conviction came after a trial that featured surveillance footage and testimony from people who witnessed the attempted shooting. Exton's law licence had already been suspended by the Ohio Supreme Court following the incident, with the court citing concerns about the threat he posed to the public.

Exton Faces Sentencing Later This Month

Exton is scheduled to be sentenced on 21 September 2026, and faces a potentially lengthy prison sentence.

The case has also left the dramatic actions of Cole and the other restaurant patrons at the centre of public attention. What could have become a fatal shooting was instead stopped within seconds after the gun failed to fire and the waiter intervened.

The footage serves as a disturbing reminder of how quickly an ordinary evening can turn violent, and how a split-second decision by someone nearby can potentially save a life.