An Ohio man has been convicted of attempting to kill his ex-wife in a chilling incident captured on video. On April 11, 2025, Matthew Exton, a 43-year-old former attorney, was convicted for his actions in a restaurant in Toledo. The Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office reported that Exton noticed his ex-wife, Kada Malone, dining with her parents at the restaurant.
Exton initially entered the restaurant, ordered a drink for Malone’s table, spat in their direction, and left. Later, security footage recorded Exton returning with a handgun. He aimed it at Malone’s head and pulled the trigger. Fortunately, the gun did not fire as the safety was still engaged.
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.
A waiter intervened, tackling Exton before he could make another attempt. Investigators noted there was a round in the chamber and seven additional bullets in the magazine. Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia R. Bates praised the actions of those who stopped Exton, referring to them as heroes.
Exton was found guilty of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault, and two firearm specifications. The assault charges also covered the safety of Malone’s parents, Jeannie and Charles Malone. Following the verdict, Exton had an outburst in court.
During the trial, prosecutors highlighted a voicemail from Exton to Malone, referencing a Johnny Cash lyric as indicative of his threatening intent. Exton objected to this portrayal, reacting vocally in court, leading officers to remove him. At another time, he made a gun-like gesture toward the assistant prosecutor.
The judge instructed the jury to ignore Exton’s courtroom behavior. Exton, previously a lawyer and local prosecutor, faces sentencing on September 21, 2026.