An Ohio man has been found guilty of attempted murder for trying to shoot his ex-wife at a restaurant in Toledo last year. The incident was captured on surveillance video.
On April 11, 2025, Matthew Exton, a 43-year-old former attorney, noticed his ex-wife, Kada Malone, dining with her parents at an Italian restaurant named Sabira. According to the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, Exton was consuming a drink at nearby Souk restaurant before entering Sabira. He ordered a drink for Malone’s table, spat in their direction, and left.
Security footage later captured Exton returning with a handgun. He aimed it at Malone’s head and pulled the trigger as she raised her hands in defense. However, the gun did not discharge.
Authorities explained that the firearm failed because the safety was engaged. A waiter tackled Exton before he could make another attempt. The gun had a round in the chamber and seven bullets in the magazine.
Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia R. Bates emphasized Exton’s intent was not to dine but to commit a public execution of Malone. She praised the restaurant employees and patrons who intervened, calling them heroes.
On September 4, a jury convicted Exton of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault, and two firearm specifications linked to each count. The assault charges were related to Malone’s parents, Jeannie and Charles Malone. Following the verdict, Exton had an outburst in the courtroom, necessitating his removal.
During closing arguments, prosecutors highlighted a voicemail Exton left for Malone that included a threatening reference to a Johnny Cash lyric. It demonstrated Exton’s motive and mindset leading up to the incident. When the prosecutor presented this evidence, Exton responded by shouting the song’s lyrics and making a gun gesture at an assistant prosecutor.
The judge instructed the jury to disregard Exton’s behavior during their deliberations. Exton is due for sentencing on September 21, 2026.