A well-known physician has been arrested after allegedly attempting to murder his wife, a nuclear engineer, by pushing her off a trail at a scenic spot in Hawaii and striking her in the head with a rock, according to police reports.
Gerhardt Konig, 46, was taken into custody on Monday, March 24, following an alleged attack on his 36-year-old wife, Arielle Konig, at the Pali Lookout in Oahu, which left her in critical condition.
Arielle reportedly informed authorities that Gerhardt struck her with closed fists and a rock before attempting to shove her off the hiking trail. In a disturbing indication that the alleged attempt was premeditated, Gerhardt is accused of producing two syringes containing an unknown substance and poking Arielle with them.
She stated to the police that the attack occurred after she refused to take a photo with him, according to the Star Advertiser.
Arielle was transported to the hospital with severe head and facial injuries, local media reported. After the alleged attack, Gerhardt fled the scene but was apprehended following a brief foot chase, officials said. He was located near the hiking trail.
“HPD officers found Gerhardt Konig near Pali Highway and arrested him after a short foot pursuit. Charges are pending. Mahalo to the public for your assistance,” stated the Honolulu police.
The couple resides in Maui in a $1.5 million home but was visiting Oahu at the time of the incident. They have been married since 2018. Gerhardt has a previous marriage and at least one child.
He has been suspended from his role as an independent contractor serving various facilities under Maui Health. “Maui Health is committed to patient safety and upholding the highest standards of care,” the organization said in a statement to KHON2. “We have been made aware of the allegations against Dr. Gerhardt Konig, and he has been suspended from the Medical Staff pending investigation.”
Konig previously held a position as an Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh Schools of Medicine and Engineering before joining the Anesthesia Medical Group in Maui.
