A disgraced Ohio attorney, Matthew Exton, has been found guilty of attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault for attempting to shoot his ex-wife, Kayda Valone, at a restaurant in downtown Toledo. The verdict was delivered on Friday, September 9, 2026, in connection with an incident that occurred on April 11, 2025.
Surveillance footage showed Exton, 43, pointing a handgun at Valone while she was dining with her parents at a restaurant called Sabira. Exton, who had been at an adjoining establishment, reportedly sent a drink to Valone's table before approaching and brandishing the weapon. The gun did not fire because the safety was on.
Witnesses and surveillance video captured the moment patrons screamed and Valone threw herself to the floor. A waiter intervened and tackled Exton to the ground as other guests surrounded the pair. The gun was found to have one round in the chamber and seven in the magazine.
Prosecutors argued that Exton entered the restaurant with the intent to commit a "public execution." Exton testified that he intended to point the gun at his ex-wife to pressure her regarding the division of house proceeds from their divorce. He stated that the divorce, finalized in January 2025, was "terrible" and "painful." He also mentioned that he is a "homosexual attorney" and that Valone was aware of his sexual orientation. His first marriage ended after a few years, and he married Valone in March 2017.
During the trial, Exton became agitated at times, interrupting proceedings and simulating a gun with his fingers. The jury found him not guilty on one count of felonious assault. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 21 and faces up to 25 years in prison.