Hawaii Doctor Accused in Wife’s Attack: Son’s Testimony and Trial Details

A Hawaii doctor is on trial for allegedly attempting to murder his wife during a hike on Oahu in March 2025. Recent testimony from the doctor’s son has revealed a confession following the alleged attack, even as the doctor himself claims self-defense.

The Alleged Attack and Initial Testimony

Gerhardt Konig, 47, an anesthesiologist, is accused of beating his wife, Arielle Konig, with a rock on the Pali Puka Trail on March 24, 2025. Prosecutors allege Dr. Konig initially attempted to push his wife off a cliffside and inject her with a syringe before the assault with the rock. He has pleaded not guilty to second-degree attempted murder.

Arielle Konig testified that the couple had traveled to Oahu from Maui to celebrate her birthday and were attempting to repair their marriage after she discovered “flirty” WhatsApp messages between her husband and a colleague, characterizing it as an “emotional affair.”

Son’s Testimony: A Confession After the Attack

Emile Konig testified on Tuesday, April 1, 2026, that his father called him shortly after the alleged attack and confessed. According to Emile, his father stated he would not be returning to Maui and instructed his son to care for their younger children. The confession included claims that Arielle Konig had been cheating on him and that he had tried to kill her.

Emile Konig further testified that his father admitted to having blood on his shirt, stating, “Oh it’s just her, meaning Ari’s, blood.” He also recounted a second video call where his father expressed intentions to take his own life, stating, “I’m gonna go before the police catch me.”

Doctor’s Defense: Self-Defense Claim

Dr. Konig took the stand on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, offering a different account of the events. He testified that his wife initiated the physical altercation, pushing him toward the edge of the cliff after an argument about the affair. He claims she struck him with a rock first, and he subsequently wrestled the rock from her, hitting her twice in self-defense.

Dr. Konig denied having a syringe with him and disputed telling his son he had attempted to kill his wife.

Ongoing Trial and Charges

The trial is currently underway in Honolulu. Dr. Konig faces charges of second-degree attempted murder. The prosecution presented evidence from hikers who discovered Arielle Konig covered in blood at the scene.