Hawaii Doctor Testifies in Attempted Murder Trial

A Hawaii doctor, Dr. Gerhardt Konig, testified on April 1st that he hit his wife in the head with a rock in an act of self-defense during a hike on March 24, 2025. The incident occurred along the Pali Puka Trail in Honolulu. He is charged with second-degree attempted murder and has pleaded not guilty.

Wife’s Testimony Details Alleged Attack

Arielle Konig’s Account of the Incident

Arielle Konig, 36, testified that the hike, arranged for her birthday, turned violent when her husband allegedly attacked her with a rock and attempted to inject her with a syringe. She stated she declined a request for a selfie near a cliff due to safety concerns, after which she was allegedly shoved towards the edge.

According to Arielle Konig, she intentionally fell to the ground to grab onto vegetation. She further testified that her husband climbed on top of her and attempted to inject her with a syringe, which she fended off. She also alleged he told her, “Nobody’s going to hear you out here. Nobody’s coming to save you.”

She described being repeatedly struck in the head with a rock before two female hikers intervened and helped her down the trail. A 911 call played in court revealed the hikers reported witnessing a man attempting to kill a woman with a bloody face.

Son’s Testimony: A Confession via FaceTime

Emile Konig’s Account of His Father’s Call

Gerhardt Konig’s son, Emile Konig, 19, testified that his father confessed to attempting to kill his wife and planning to take his own life during a FaceTime call after the alleged attack. Emile Konig stated his father blamed the incident on his wife’s alleged infidelity.

Emile Konig testified that his father did not mention self-defense during the call, but rather expressed a plan to jump off a cliff. He said he convinced his father not to proceed with suicide.

Doctor Claims Self-Defense

Gerhardt Konig’s Testimony

Dr. Gerhardt Konig, 47, denied any intent to kill his wife, throw her off a cliff, or stab her with syringes. He testified that he hit his wife twice with a rock “in self defense” after she initially attacked him.

He stated that Arielle Konig grabbed him by the testicles and hit him in the head with a rock, which he then wrestled away from her and used to defend himself. He also acknowledged marital problems stemming from his wife’s relationship with another man, but expressed hope for reconciliation.

Gerhardt Konig explained he was in severe emotional distress and contemplating suicide when he called his son, believing his son misunderstood his statements. He expressed gratitude to his son for saving his life.

What’s Next in the Case?

Prosecutors are scheduled to cross-examine Gerhardt Konig on April 2nd. NBC News correspondent Steve Patterson reported that the judge anticipates the case will be presented to the jury during the week of April 6-10.