Former lawyer who pulled gun on ex-wife in Ohio restaurant is sentenced to nearly 25 years

Former attorney Matthew Exton was sentenced on Monday to up to 24 and a half years in state prison following his conviction for attempting to shoot his ex-wife at a crowded restaurant in Toledo, Ohio, according to court records and prosecutors.

Exton, 43, was convicted earlier this month in Lucas County Common Pleas Court on multiple felony charges stemming from the April 11, 2025, incident at Sabira restaurant in downtown Toledo. Prosecutors presented evidence demonstrating that Exton approached his former spouse and aimed a handgun at close range before bystanders successfully tackled and disarmed him.

Incident Overview

According to trial evidence and statements presented by prosecutors, Matthew Exton entered the Sabira restaurant in downtown Toledo on April 11, 2025. At the time, his former spouse was seated at a table inside the dining room alongside her mother. Exton walked up to the table with a Colt Defender handgun drawn and attempted to shoot his ex-wife at point-blank range.

Authorities stated that the handgun failed to fire because the manual safety lever remained engaged. Immediately following the failed discharge, a waiter and other restaurant patrons intervened, tackling Exton to the floor and subduing him until police arrived. Court proceedings revealed that Exton had divorced his wife in 2024. Prosecutor Mike Loisel noted during sentencing that the quick actions of restaurant staff and citizens prevented a potential mass casualty event inside the filled dining room.

Suspect Information

Matthew Exton, 43, is a former attorney who divorced his wife in 2024. During his sentencing hearing in Lucas County Common Pleas Court, Exton addressed the court directly after informing Judge Gary Cook that he wished to fire his defense counsel. Representing himself, Exton claimed he had no intention to harm his former spouse or her mother and asserted that the criminal prosecution was political in nature. The court rejected his arguments, citing video evidence from the scene.

Victim Information

The individuals targeted during the incident were Exton's former wife and her mother, who were dining together at Sabira restaurant. To protect the privacy and safety of violent crime victims, official law enforcement and court releases have not published their names. Prosecutors stated in court that judicial protection orders remain active to safeguard the victims and the broader public.

Evidence Collected

Physical and digital evidence introduced during the trial included the following items:

• A Colt Defender handgun recovered from the scene, which had its safety mechanism engaged during the attempt to fire.
• Surveillance video footage from inside Sabira restaurant showing Exton walking toward the victims with the weapon drawn and subsequently attempting to adjust the safety lever after the gun failed to discharge.

Arrest Details

Matthew Exton was taken into custody at Sabira restaurant in downtown Toledo on April 11, 2025. After the firearm failed to discharge, a restaurant waiter and nearby patrons physically tackled and restrained Exton on the floor, holding him until responding law enforcement officers arrived to take him into custody and transport him for booking.

Charges Filed

Matthew Exton was tried, convicted, and sentenced on several felony counts under Ohio state law. The official charges and legal definitions include:

• Attempted Murder (Two Counts): Under Ohio law, attempted murder involves purposefully engaging in conduct that, if successful, would result in the intentional death of another human being. Attempted murder is a first-degree felony carrying long-term prison sentences. Two counts were charged due to the threat posed to both the ex-wife and her mother.
• Felonious Assault (Two Counts): Felonious assault is defined under Ohio statutes as knowingly causing or attempting to cause physical harm to another person by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance. This offense is classified as a second-degree felony under state law.
• Firearm Sentence Enhancements: Under Ohio sentencing guidelines, committing felony violent crimes while possessing or using a firearm subjects the defendant to mandatory additional prison time. These sentence enhancements must be served consecutively to the sentence imposed for the underlying felony convictions.

Court Information

The criminal proceedings took place in the Lucas County Common Pleas Court in Toledo, Ohio, before Judge Gary Cook. The prosecution was conducted by Assistant Prosecutor Mike Loisel of the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office.

During the sentencing hearing, Prosecutor Loisel argued that Exton posed a severe continuing danger to the public and highlighted that Exton nearly caused a mass casualty event in a crowded business. Judge Cook reviewed the surveillance camera footage in court and noted that Exton was seen attempting to fix the safety lever after the gun failed to fire, establishing clear criminal intent. Judge Cook subsequently sentenced Exton to up to 24 and a half years in prison.

Statements from Authorities

During sentencing arguments, Lucas County Assistant Prosecutor Mike Loisel stated: "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 Loisel added that Exton "must be incarcerated" for an extended period, noting: "This court has provided protection for all the victims in this matter and, quite honestly, to the public at large."

Addressing Exton directly regarding the surveillance evidence, Judge Gary Cook said: "You are flummoxed by the fact that it did not go off, and you're trying to fix the safety. That is the moment cementing your intent."

What Happens Next

Following the sentencing order in Lucas County Common Pleas Court, Matthew Exton will be remanded to the custody of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to serve his prison term of up to 24 and a half years. Under Ohio criminal procedure laws, a convicted defendant maintains the right to file an appeal with the Ohio District Court of Appeals within 30 days of the sentencing entry. If an appeal is filed, appellate counsel will review trial court records and procedural rulings. Exton will remain incarcerated during any appellate or post-conviction proceedings.

Public Safety Information

Incidents involving intimate-partner violence, domestic assault, and armed workplace or public threats pose critical risks to public safety. Community members experiencing domestic abuse, stalking, or threats of violence are urged to seek help from legal authorities and victim support organizations. In any immediate emergency, individuals should dial 911 immediately. Victims of domestic violence or intimate partner abuse can also reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233 or texting START to 88788 for free, confidential support available 24 hours a day.