A Lucas County jury on Friday convicted Matthew Exton, 43, a former attorney, of attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault in connection with an April 11, 2025, incident at a Toledo restaurant. Exton was acquitted of one felonious assault charge.
Exton is scheduled to be sentenced later this month. Prosecutors allege he attempted to carry out what they described as a "public execution" of his ex-wife, Kayda Valone, at the Sabira restaurant in downtown Toledo.
Core Facts of the Incident
Prosecutors presented evidence that Exton, who had been drinking at a neighboring bar, entered Sabira and ordered a drink to be sent to Valone’s table before spitting toward her and her family. He later returned with a handgun, approached Valone’s table, and pointed the weapon at her. The gun did not fire because the safety was engaged. A waiter and patrons then tackled Exton to the ground before he could attempt to fire again.
According to the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, the handgun contained one round in the chamber and seven additional rounds in the magazine. Surveillance footage, released by prosecutors, shows the confrontation and the intervention by the waiter and patrons.
Exton’s Defense and Testimony
During the trial, Exton testified that he had worked as a prosecutor in Michigan and was licensed to practice law in Ohio, handling divorce, family, and bankruptcy cases. He stated he became homeless after his divorce from Valone in 2024.
Exton claimed he pulled the gun to enforce a court order and denied intending to shoot her. "I did not fire," he said. "I did not hurt her. I did not try to hurt her." He acknowledged pointing the weapon but maintained it was not loaded or intended to discharge.
Prosecution’s Case and Sentencing
Prosecutors argued that Exton’s actions were premeditated and driven by anger over the divorce proceedings. They described the incident as an attempt to carry out a violent act in a public setting, citing his prior behavior, including ordering a drink to be sent to Valone’s table and spitting toward her family.
The jury deliberated before reaching the verdict. Exton faces sentencing enhancements tied to the firearm specifications and the felonious assault charges. The trial concluded last week, and sentencing is pending.
Legal and Professional Background
Exton’s legal career included roles as a prosecutor in northern Michigan and private practice in Sylvania and Traverse City. His professional standing was not addressed in court filings related to this case. The incident occurred during Sabira’s opening night, adding to the public nature of the confrontation.
Community and Legal Response
Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates praised the restaurant staff and patrons for their quick response, calling them heroes. Prosecutors emphasized that the staff had no prior training to handle such an event.
The case has drawn attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendant and the public setting of the alleged crime. No further details about Exton’s legal or personal history were disclosed in court records.