Full Breakdown
Former Attorney Convicted of Attempted Murder After Point-Blank Attack on Ex-Wife in Toledo Restaurant
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The Attack and Conviction
On April 11, 2025, former attorney Matthew Exton, 43, was drinking at the Souk bar next to Sabira, an Italian restaurant in downtown Toledo. After spotting his ex-wife Kada Malone (also reported as Kayda Valone) with her parents, Exton entered Sabira, ordered a drink to be delivered to their table, and spat toward the family before leaving. He returned moments later with a loaded Colt Defender, approached the table, and thrust the gun to within point-blank range of Malone’s head. The safety remained engaged, producing rapid “click” noises as he pulled the trigger. A waiter, Tracy Cole Jr., tackled Exton, preventing a second attempt.
A Lucas County jury returned a guilty verdict on September 4, 2026 (some outlets cite September 9). Exton was found guilty of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault, and two firearm-specification enhancements attached to each count. He was acquitted of a third assault charge. Sentencing is set for September 21, 2026, with a maximum term of 25 years.
Background & Context
Exton had worked as a prosecutor in Michigan and was licensed in Ohio, handling divorce, family and bankruptcy cases. The couple divorced in 2024. During the trial, Exton testified that he became homeless after the split and was frustrated by Malone’s handling of the divorce and the sale of their former home.
Data & Statistics
- Firearm: Colt Defender; one round in the chamber, seven additional rounds in the magazine.
- Charges: attempted murder; two felonious-assault counts; two firearm specifications attached to each count.
- Potential sentence: up to 25 years (11 for attempted murder, 8 for assault, up to 6 for the firearm specifications).
Official Statements & Responses
Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia R. Bates called the incident a “public execution” and praised the restaurant staff and patrons as “heroes.” She noted that the gun’s safety prevented a discharge and that the waiter’s intervention averted further danger.
On-the-Ground Reports
The victim’s statement on April 13, 2025 reported the rapid “click” noises as Exton pulled the trigger.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Ex-wife’s name: Sources list Kada Malone, Kayda Valone, and variations thereof.
- Verdict date: Most outlets cite September 4, 2026; a few report September 9, 2026.
- Acquitted assault count: Some reports specify the dismissed charge involved the victim’s father; others note a single felonious-assault charge was dismissed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The only thing that went through my mind was that I’m gonna die,” — Tracy Cole
- “It’s hard when I watch the video and I see him pull the trigger,” — Tracy Cole
- “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,” — Julia R. Bates