Former Ohio Lawyer Convicted of Attempted Murder

A former Toledo attorney has been convicted of attempted murder after prosecutors said he pointed a loaded handgun at his ex-wife inside a crowded restaurant, only for the weapon's engaged safety to prevent it from firing. A Lucas County jury found Matthew Exton, 43, guilty on Friday, September 4, 2026, of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault and multiple firearm specifications. He was acquitted of a third felonious assault charge. Exton is scheduled to be sentenced on September 21 and faces up to 25 years in prison. The incident occurred on April 11, 2025, at Sabira, an Italian restaurant in downtown Toledo, during its opening night. According to the Lucas County prosecutors' office, Exton had been drinking at a neighboring bar when he spotted his ex-wife, Kayda Valone, dining with her family. He entered the restaurant, ordered a drink delivered to their table and spat toward the group as he left, prosecutors said. Surveillance footage shows he returned moments later carrying a loaded handgun and walked directly to Valone's table.