An Ohio lawyer who attempted to murder his ex-wife at a restaurant grand opening has been sentenced to 24 years in prison.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Matthew Exton, 43, held his wife at gunpoint at the then-new Sabira restaurant in Toledo, but his gun jammed when he pulled the trigger.
As Exton struggled with the weapon, waiter Tracy Cole Jr. tackled the lawyer and slammed him to the ground.
Now, the disgraced lawyer will spend a healthy amount of time behind bars reflecting on his actions.
Exton was sentenced on Monday for attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault. He will serve over two decades in prison, WTOL 11 reported.
Before sentencing, Exton attempted to postpone the hearing by arguing he was firing his attorney and requesting a continuance to speak to a detective about an incident that took place after his arrest.
According to the New York Post, Exton also accused Lucas County Common Pleas Court Judge Gary Cook of political bias and believed he was being handed down a tougher sentence because it is an election year.
Contrary to his belief, Judge Cook was reelected in November 2024 and is not up for election until 2030.
Former Lawyer Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison
Ultimately, the lawyer-turned-convict will spend the next two decades in prison for the wild Italian restaurant incident.
According to The Toledo Blade, the incident occurred on April 11, 2025
Exton was reportedly drinking at a nearby bar when he spotted his wife at the Sabira restaurant. The former defense attorney offered his ex-wife, Kayda Valone, a drink and spat at her before leaving the restaurant.
Moments later, he returned with a firearm.
Thanks to the heroics of a nearby waiter, the incident did not end more tragically.
"Nothing in their training could have prepared the staff for what walked through that door," Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates told WTOL.
"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."
Exton said he intends to appeal, arguing there were issues with the prosecution's case.
