From Fox News · James Cirrone · · 1m 30s
He pulled the trigger. The safety was on.
A Toledo restaurant, a former attorney, and a gun that failed at point-blank range.
In brief
A Toledo restaurant, a former attorney, and a gun that failed at point-blank range. Kada Malone is alive because the safety was engaged and a waiter moved fast, not because her ex-husband changed his mind. Originally reported by Fox News.
A drink, then a gun
On April 11, 2025, Matthew Exton spotted his ex-wife dining with her parents at a Toledo restaurant. He walked in, ordered a drink for their table, spat toward them and left.
Point-blank, in the open
Surveillance video shows Exton coming back with a handgun and shoving it against Kada Malone's head as she threw her hands up in front of her face.
The safety saved her
He pulled the trigger and nothing happened. Prosecutors said the safety was still on, with a round in the chamber and seven more in the magazine.
A waiter tackled him
Before Exton could fire again, a waiter took him down from behind. Other staff and diners joined in.
“The employees and patrons who stepped in to stop the defendant that day are heroes.”
Guilty on every count
On Sept. 4 a jury convicted the 43-year-old former lawyer and local prosecutor of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault for Malone's parents, and two firearm specifications.
“He came with anger in him and with the intention to commit a public execution of his ex-wife.”
Screaming Johnny Cash
Prosecutors cited a voicemail quoting "Sooner or later God will cut you down." Exton screamed the lyrics as officers removed him, and mimed a gun at a prosecutor with his fingers.
“Sooner or later God will cut you down”
In short
Kada Malone is alive because the safety was engaged and a waiter moved fast, not because her ex-husband changed his mind.
