On the evening of 11/4/2025, a dramatic scene unfolded at Sabira restaurant in Toledo, Ohio, when Matthew Exton, a 43-year-old lawyer, attempted to shoot his ex-wife, Kayda Valone. Valone was dining with her family when Exton, who had been drinking at a nearby bar, spotted her through a window.

According to Lucas County prosecutors, Exton first entered the restaurant, ordered a drink to be sent to his ex-wife's table, and then left. He also spat towards her family's table, displaying aggressive behavior.

Not long after, Exton returned to the restaurant, this time armed with a loaded handgun. Surveillance video from the restaurant, presented by the prosecution on the opening day of the trial on 1/9, showed Exton walking directly to his ex-wife's table, drawing the gun, and pointing it at her at close range.

Valone testified, "I screamed, 'Gun!' over and over because I knew I was going to die, and I didn't want anyone else to get hurt". Exton pulled the trigger, but the gun did not fire because the safety was still engaged. As he attempted to manipulate the weapon to fire again, server Tracy Cole Junior immediately rushed forward, tackling and subduing Exton. Several staff members and diners then helped hold him until police arrived.

Exton's gun was found with one round in the chamber and seven in the magazine. Prosecutors described Tracy Cole Junior as a hero who "saved at least three lives" through his swift action.

Matthew Exton was forcibly removed from the courtroom on 4/9 after repeatedly disrupting the trial and making gun-like gestures towards prosecutors. Photo: *Court TV*

Police arrested Exton, and his law license was subsequently suspended. At trial, he admitted pointing the gun at his ex-wife but denied intending to pull the trigger. He claimed his goal was only to pressure her into quickly selling the house they once co-owned.

Prosecutors, however, argued that Exton did not come to the restaurant to dine but intended to murder his ex-wife in front of many people. Kayda told the court that Exton had threatened her verbally and in writing before their divorce last year.

On 4/9, a Lucas County jury convicted Exton of attempted murder, felonious assault, and multiple gun-related charges. Exton faces up to 25 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for 21/9.

Tu Anh (according to Metro, Nypost)