Lawyer's Gun Fails, Lands Him 23 Years

A former Ohio lawyer, Matthew Exton, has been sentenced to nearly 25 years in prison following his conviction for attempted murder and related firearm charges. The conviction stemmed from an incident in April 2025 where Exton entered a Toledo restaurant, pointed a loaded gun at his ex-wife, and pulled the trigger. Fortunately, the firearm's safety was engaged, preventing the shot from firing.

A waiter swiftly tackled Exton, and other patrons disarmed him before he could attempt to shoot again. During the trial, Exton claimed he had no intention to kill and argued that "guns don't kill people." However, Judge Gary Cook used surveillance footage of Exton fumbling with the weapon to illustrate his intent, stating his flustered reaction to the safety mechanism being engaged proved his motive.

Prosecutors also presented evidence of Exton impersonating a police officer to acquire the gun in 2024, along with alleged death threats and a prior unauthorized entry into the victim's home. Exton's Ohio law license remains suspended following these convictions.