An Ohio man has been found guilty of attempting to murder his ex-wife in a chilling incident caught on surveillance video. Matthew Exton, a 43-year-old former attorney, confronted his ex-wife, Kada Malone, at a restaurant where she dined with her family in Toledo.

On April 11, 2025, Exton was at Souk restaurant when he noticed Malone dining at Sabira, an Italian restaurant next door. According to the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, he entered Sabira, ordered drinks for Malone’s table, and then spat in their direction before leaving.

Security footage later captured Exton returning with a handgun. He aimed the weapon at Malone’s head and pulled the trigger. However, the gun did not fire.

The defendant did not come with the intention of having a meal. He came with anger in him and with the intention to commit a public execution of his ex-wife at the restaurant that day, Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia R. Bates stated.

Authorities revealed the gun did not fire due to the safety being on. A waiter subdued Exton before he could make another attempt. There was a bullet in the chamber and seven more in the magazine.

Exton was convicted on charges of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault regarding Malone’s parents, Jeannie and Charles Malone, and two firearm specifications. The jury reached their verdict on September 4.

During the trial, a voicemail Exton left for Malone was highlighted. It contained a Johnny Cash lyric interpreted as a threat. Upset by the prosecution’s interpretation, Exton created a disturbance in court, leading to his removal.

The court instructed the jury to ignore Exton’s outburst during their deliberations. Exton, once a local lawyer, will face sentencing on September 21, 2026.