Ex-Prosecutor Convicted of Attempted Murder in Toledo

Matthew Exton, 43, of Traverse City, Michigan, was found guilty of attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault on September 4, 2026. A jury delivered the verdict in connection with an April 11, 2025, incident at Sabira restaurant in Toledo.

Prosecutors stated that Exton, a former attorney in Ohio and Michigan, entered a downtown Toledo bar. He then saw his ex-wife and her family at the adjacent Sabira restaurant, which was celebrating a soft opening. Exton sent a drink to their table, spat in it, and then returned with a handgun, intending to fire. Surveillance video presented in court showed Exton attempt to shoot, but the firearm's safety was engaged.

A waiter intervened, tackling Exton and preventing the attack. Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates described the defendant's actions, stating, "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."

During his testimony, Exton denied attempting to pull the trigger. He claimed he sought to expedite the sale of their former home to receive his share of the proceeds. Exton did not attend the verdict announcement in person. He watched the proceedings via livestream from his holding cell, having been removed from the courtroom earlier for disruptive behavior.

Exton previously served as chief assistant county prosecutor in Kalkaska County, Michigan, for approximately six weeks, ending February 21, 2024. His tenure ended the day after he displayed his county badge during a dispute over purchasing a handgun at a Cabela's store.

Exton faces a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years. Sentencing is scheduled for September 21, 2026, before Judge Gary Cook. The sentence could include up to 11 years for the attempted murder conviction, eight years for the felonious assault count involving his ex-wife's mother, and a combined maximum of six years for attached firearms specifications.