Gerhardt Konig, a 46-year-old anaesthetist, has been indicted on charges of attempted second-degree murder following an alleged assault on his wife while hiking in Oahu. The indictment came swiftly after his initial court appearance. Currently held without bail at the Oahu Community Correctional Center, Konig’s bail had previously been set at US$5 million (A$8 million).
According to police reports, the incident occurred on a hiking trail where Konig’s wife expressed discomfort at his request for a selfie near the edge of a cliff. As she attempted to walk away, he allegedly became aggressive, pushing her into bushes and striking her on the head with a rock multiple times, while also pulling her hair and slamming her face into the ground. The woman managed to cry for help, attracting the attention of two other hikers.
One bystander, Amanda, described witnessing Konig assaulting his wife and reported the latter’s plea that he was trying to kill her. Amanda, along with another hiker, then assisted the woman to safety and called emergency services. The victim was subsequently transported to a hospital in serious but stable condition, suffering from head and facial injuries.
In a statement from the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office, it was highlighted that the charges reflect the severity of the alleged crime, underscoring a commitment to combat domestic abuse and ensure justice for victims. Konig’s attorney has not provided any comments regarding the case.
After the incident, Konig was apprehended near Pali Highway following a brief foot pursuit, more than seven hours post-assault. His medical licence, granted in September 2022, remains in good standing, but he has been suspended from his position as an independent contractor at Maui Memorial Medical Center as an investigation proceeds.
In light of these developments, authorities stress the importance of addressing domestic violence, providing contact information for support services. If you or someone you know is in danger, immediate help is advised by calling triple zero (000) or reaching out to local domestic violence support hotlines.