In Honolulu, a Maui-based anesthesiologist named Gerhardt Konig has been accused of attempting to murder his wife during a hike on a perilous trail in Oahu. The incident came to light after Konig allegedly pushed her toward a cliff’s edge and attempted to inject her with a syringe, according to her request for a temporary restraining order. On Friday, Konig faced an indictment for attempted murder.
The ordeal unfolded when the couple decided to visit Oahu to celebrate the wife’s birthday, leaving their two young sons, aged 2 and 4, under the care of a nanny and family in Maui. On Monday, Konig suggested they explore a challenging hiking trail in Honolulu, known for its narrow ridges and steep drop-offs.
During the hike, the wife is said to have voiced her discomfort and reluctance to proceed further. Konig, who had wandered ahead, returned and coaxed her up a tree to take a photo. He then proposed taking another photo closer to the cliff, which made her feel dizzy. While attempting to move away, he grabbed her upper arms, shouting he was fed up with her, and forced her toward the edge.
What initially seemed like a prank quickly turned frightening as the wife realized Konig’s intentions were serious. A struggle ensued, with her pleading for her life. In the heat of the altercation, Konig reportedly retrieved a syringe from his bag, leading to concerns about its contents given his access to potent medications due to his profession.
As she fought back by biting his arm, Konig initially calmed but then attacked her with a rock, striking her head repeatedly. Fortunately, two other hikers witnessed the attack and threatened to call emergency services. The women assisted her to safety, leading away from the scene, while Konig fled in another direction. Authorities arrested him later that evening after an ambulance rushed the victim to the hospital.
Evidence submitted in the restraining order reveals that Konig contacted his adult son, confessing to the attempted harm and expressing suicidal thoughts by mentioning a wish to jump off a cliff. Professionally, Konig works with Maui Health, affiliated with Kaiser Permanente, where he has been placed on suspension due to the investigation.
Responding to the events, Kaiser Permanente clarified that while they do not employ Konig directly, they have suspended his privileges to offer medical treatment amidst ongoing investigations. The unsettling case is bound to develop further as legal proceedings continue.