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Hawaii Doctor Accused of Attempted Murder of Wife After Suspecting Infidelity
A Hawaii-based doctor is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly attacking his wife during a hike at a scenic overlook. Reports indicate that the anesthesiologist, Gerhardt Konig, suspected his wife of infidelity months prior to the incident and purportedly confessed to his son in a phone call that he “tried to kill” her following the assault at Pali Lookout on Oahu.
Arrest and Charges
Gerhardt Konig, 46, an anesthesiologist, was formally charged on Wednesday with second-degree attempted murder. The charges stem from an incident where he is accused of assaulting his wife, Arielle Konig, 36, at the Pali Lookout, a well-known scenic viewpoint on the island of Oahu.
Marriage Strains and Suspicions
While the couple had been married for six years, their relationship reportedly began to deteriorate in the months leading up to the alleged attack, according to Island News reports.
Restraining Order and Accusations of Control
Arielle Konig, a prominent nuclear engineer, filed a restraining order against her husband on Thursday. In court documents, she stated that Gerhardt Konig had developed “extreme jealousy” and “attempted to control and monitor all of my communications.”
She further claimed that her husband, whom she married in 2018, had accused her of being unfaithful as early as December.
Couples Therapy Prior to Incident
In an effort to salvage their marriage, Arielle Konig revealed that they had been “participating in both couples and individual therapy and counseling.”
She noted that their relationship had shown signs of improvement through therapy, leading them to plan a weekend excursion to Oahu. The trip was intended to celebrate Arielle’s 36th birthday and was planned for just the two of them, leaving their two young children, ages 2 and 5, at their home.
The Incident at Pali Lookout
On March 23, the day after they arrived in Oahu from their residence in Maui, Konig suggested a hike near Pali Lookout. It was there that he allegedly became violent after his wife declined to take a photograph with him.
Details of the Alleged Attack
Authorities say Konig purportedly attempted to push his wife off the hiking trail. He then allegedly proceeded to punch her, strike her with a rock, and at one point, attempt to jab her with two syringes.
In court filings, Arielle Konig stated, “I do not know what was in the syringe, but Gerhardt is an anesthesiologist and has access to several potentially lethal medications as part of his employment.”
Intervention and Medical Assistance
The assault was interrupted when two women hiking on the same trail heard Arielle Konig’s cries for help and intervened.
Arielle Konig was immediately transported to The Queen’s Medical Center and was admitted in critical condition, suffering from multiple injuries to her face and head.
Police apprehended Konig later that evening near Pali Highway following a brief chase on foot.
Confession to Son and Current Detention
The nuclear engineer informed the court that subsequent to the attack, she learned that her husband had contacted one of his adult children from a previous marriage via FaceTime. During this call, he allegedly confessed to attempting to kill her, according to reports from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Arielle Konig stated in her filing that Konig reportedly told his child, “I just tried to kill Ari, but she got away.”
Gerhardt Konig is currently in custody at the Oahu Community Correctional Center.
Bail and Safety Concerns
Initially, bail was set at $5 million for Konig. However, Arielle Konig conveyed to the court her fear for her safety, as well as the safety of her children and family, should her husband be released. Subsequently, a judge ordered that he be held without bail on Friday.
Suspension from Medical Practice
Konig, who previously held positions as a professor at the University of Pittsburgh and an anesthesiologist at UPMC, was most recently employed by an independent contractor providing medical services as an anesthesiologist in Maui.
Maui Health Statement
Maui Health released a statement last week affirming its commitment to patient safety and the highest standards of care.
“We have been made aware of the allegations against Gerhardt Konig, MD. Dr. Konig has been suspended from the Medical Staff pending investigation. Dr. Konig is employed by an independent entity contracted to provide medical services at various medical facilities on Maui, including Maui Memorial Medical Center.”