Ohio man convicted after trying to shoot ex-wife at point-blank range inside restaurant in chilling video
Ohio Former Attorney Convicted of Attempted Murder of Ex‑Wife in Toledo Restaurant Incident
A 43‑year‑old former lawyer has been found guilty of attempting to murder his ex‑wife after a confrontation at a Toledo restaurant that was captured on security cameras. Matthew Exton, a former attorney who had once served as a local prosecutor, was convicted of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault, and three firearm‑related charges on September 4 , 2025, and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 21 , 2026.
The Incident
On April 11 , 2025, Exton was drinking at Souk, a local restaurant, when he spotted his ex‑wife, Kada Malone, dining with her parents, Jeannie and Charles Malone, at the neighboring Italian restaurant Sabira. According to surveillance footage released by the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, Exton entered the Sabira dining room, ordered a drink for Malone’s table, spat at the patrons, and exited briefly before returning with a handgun. He thrust the weapon in close range of Malone’s head, pulled the trigger as she raised her hands, but the gun failed to discharge. Prosecutors later noted the firearm’s safety was engaged, and a waiter tackled Exton before he could attempt another shot. The gun had a single round in its chamber and seven additional bullets in the magazine.
Trial Proceedings
Exton’s trial was held in Lucas County, where the jury heard evidence of the shooting and the surrounding context. The prosecution highlighted a voicemail Exton left for Malone shortly before the incident, in which he referenced the Johnny Cash lyric, “Sooner or later God will cut you down.” Prosecutors used the message to illustrate Exton’s threat‑laden mindset.
During the closing arguments, Exton reacted violently. He began shouting the lyrics of “God’s Gonna Cut You Down,” made a gun‑like gesture, and pointed at assistant prosecutor Rose Mock. Court officers removed him from the courtroom after an outburst. Judge Julia R. Bates, the county’s prosecuting attorney, urged the jury to focus solely on the evidence and not be swayed by the defendant’s conduct. She described the incident as a “public execution” intended by Exton “with anger in him,” and called the staff and patrons who intervened “heroes.”
The jury delivered a guilty verdict on September 4 , 2025. Exton was found liable on the attempted murder charge, both counts of felonious assault—one directed at Malone’s parents—and each of the three firearm specifications attached to those counts. The judge instructed jurors to disregard Exton’s courtroom outbursts.
Statements
Prosecuting Attorney Julia R. Bates remarked, “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 employees and patrons who stepped in to stop the defendant that day are heroes.”
Exton, a former lawyer and prosecutor, will face sentencing in September 2026. No plea deal was announced, and the case has not yet moved to sentencing.
Context
The incident drew attention to domestic violence and the dangers posed when a disgruntled ex‑spouse confronts a former partner in a public setting. The rapid response by restaurant staff and patrons prevented a potentially fatal outcome and led to Exton’s arrest and prosecution.
As the case moves toward sentencing, authorities and the local community await the court’s decision on the appropriate penalty for a crime that nearly ended a life.