Ohio Man Convicted of Attempted Murder of Ex-Wife in Toledo Restaurant

An Ohio man has been found guilty of attempting to murder his ex-wife while she dined with her family in Toledo. This incident was captured on surveillance video.

On April 11, 2025, Matthew Exton, a 43-year-old former attorney, encountered his ex-wife, Kada Malone, at Sabira, an Italian restaurant. She was with her parents. Exton initially stayed at Souk restaurant but later entered Sabira. He ordered a drink for Malone’s table, spat towards them, and left.

Surveillance footage shows Exton returning with a handgun. He aimed it at Malone’s head and pulled the trigger, but the gun malfunctioned. Prosecutors confirmed the gun had a round in the chamber and seven more bullets. Its safety mechanism prevented it from firing. A waiter promptly tackled Exton to prevent another attempt.

Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia R. Bates praised the restaurant’s staff and patrons for their intervention. She stated, “The defendant did not come for a meal. He came with anger, intending a public execution of his ex-wife.” Exton was found guilty of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault, and firearm-related charges on September 4.

The felonious assault charges extend to Malone’s parents, Jeannie and Charles Malone. During the prosecutor’s closing arguments, Exton left a voicemail for Malone referencing Johnny Cash’s lyrics, signaling a threatening mindset. In court, Exton had an outburst, singing those lyrics and making threatening gestures.

Despite the outburst, the jury was instructed to focus on the facts. Exton’s sentencing is set for September 21, 2026.