In a shocking case that has captured public attention, former attorney Matthew Exton has been convicted of attempted murder for an incident involving his ex-wife at a restaurant in Toledo, Ohio. The 43-year-old was found guilty following a harrowing event on April 11, 2025, where he attempted to shoot his ex-wife inside Souk restaurant.
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According to the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, Exton faced conviction on three charges: attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault, each accompanied by firearm specifications. He was acquitted of an additional count of felonious assault. His sentencing is set for September 21, with the possibility of receiving up to 25 years in prison.
The incident, which unfolded in a public establishment, involved Exton allegedly entering the restaurant with a loaded firearm. Reports indicate that he pointed the weapon at his ex-wife and attempted to fire. However, the gun malfunctioned initially due to the safety being engaged, according to an arrest warrant obtained by PEOPLE. As Exton endeavoured to rectify the situation, a quick-thinking waiter intervened, tackling him before he could attempt to fire again.
Details from the case reveal a terrifying experience for the victim. In a statement made to authorities shortly after the incident, Exton’s ex-wife reported that he pointed the firearm at her chest and repeatedly pulled the trigger, resulting in a series of audible ‘click’ noises as the gun failed to discharge. Her account was a crucial piece of evidence in the trial.
Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Exton maintained his innocence during the proceedings. He testified that he did not aim to harm his ex-wife and expressed frustration over their divorce, which took place the previous year. Exton claimed that his circumstances deteriorated significantly following the split, even leading to homelessness despite his previous positions as a prosecutor in Michigan and a practising lawyer in Ohio.
The response from local authorities has been firm. Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia R. Bates expressed relief at the jury’s decision, highlighting the unexpected nature of such violence in a restaurant setting. “Nothing in their training and soft openings at the restaurant could have prepared the staff for what walked through that door,” Bates noted in a statement. She added that Exton’s arrival was not merely for a meal but rather with the intent to cause serious harm.
Bates further commended the actions of those who intervened, labelling them heroes for their efforts in preventing a potentially tragic outcome. “We hope its decision provides some sense of closure for those seated at the table as well as the Sabira employees who were also victimised that day,” she concluded, reflecting on the impact of the incident on the staff and patrons.
In the wake of this conviction, Exton’s legal career has been effectively concluded. His law licence was suspended by the Ohio Supreme Court shortly after the assault, marking the end of his professional practice in law.
As the legal journey continues towards sentencing, the case serves as a grim reminder of the issues surrounding domestic violence and gun-related incidents. With a maximum sentence of 25 years looming, the community is left to grapple with the implications of such acts of violence in public spaces.