A former Ohio attorney has been sentenced to up to 24 years in prison for attempting to shoot his ex-wife inside a crowded Toledo restaurant. Matthew Exton, 43, was convicted of attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault in connection with the April 11, 2025, incident at Sabira restaurant.
Prosecutors stated that Exton, after drinking at a nearby establishment, spotted his ex-wife, Kayda Valone, dining with her family. He entered Sabira, ordered a drink to be sent to their table, and then returned with a loaded Colt Defender handgun. Surveillance footage showed Exton approaching Valone's table and raising the weapon. The gun reportedly failed to discharge because its safety mechanism was still engaged.
Instead of retreating, Exton attempted to manipulate the weapon. At this point, a waiter, Tracy Cole Jr., intervened, tackling Exton to the ground. Other patrons assisted in restraining him until police arrived. The handgun contained one round in the chamber and seven in the magazine.
During court proceedings, Exton admitted to pointing the gun but denied intent to kill, claiming he only meant to frighten Valone to expedite the sale of their former home. He argued his actions should be considered a misdemeanor menacing charge. Prosecutors countered that the video evidence clearly demonstrated intent to kill.
"You are flummoxed by why the gun didn’t go off and you are trying to fix the safety," Judge Gary Cook remarked, replaying a portion of the video during sentencing. The jury found Exton guilty of attempted murder and felonious assault related to Valone and her mother, Jeanne Valone. However, he was acquitted of a felonious assault charge concerning Valone's father, Charles Valone, who testified that Exton never pointed the weapon at him.
"He nearly perpetrated a mass casualty event in the middle of a crowded restaurant. ... He had no regard for anyone or anything other than himself," prosecutor Mike Loisel stated, advocating for a maximum sentence. Judge Cook's sentence included nine years for attempted murder, five years for the felonious assault charge concerning Jeanne Valone, and six years for firearm specifications attached to those counts. Exton's sentence could be extended by up to 4.5 years for potential prison rule violations.
Exton, who had dismissed his attorney and represented himself during sentencing, repeatedly clashed with the court. He was removed from the courtroom at one point for interrupting proceedings and watched the remainder of closing arguments remotely. He also sought to file charges against the waiter who tackled him, a request the judge rejected.
Exton's law license in Ohio was suspended following the attack. He has indicated plans to pursue appellate claims of ineffective counsel and constitutional violations.
"We hope today’s sentence provides some sense of closure for the victims seated at the table and the Sabira employees and patrons whose lives were put at risk that evening," Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates said in a statement, commending the prosecution team and acknowledging the bravery of the restaurant staff.