HONOLULU (Court TV) — An anesthesiologist was convicted of trying to kill his wife while they were on a hiking trail in Hawaii.

Gerhardt Konig listens to opening statements on the first day of his trial. (Court TV)

Gerhardt Konig was charged with second-degree attempted murder for the alleged assault on his wife, Arielle Konig, at the Pali Lookout on March 24, 2025. The jury deliberated for more than eight hours before finding him guilty of a lesser charge of attempted manslaughter based on extreme mental or emotional disturbance.

Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 13.

Arielle Konig told officers that the couple was walking on the trail when Gerhardt Konig asked her to take a selfie along the edge of the trail, along a steep mountain. After saying she didn’t feel comfortable, Arielle Konig began to walk away. Gerhardt Konig then allegedly yelled for her to come back before pushing her into the bushes.

Arielle Konig managed to get away again; Gerhardt Konig then allegedly picked up a rock and used it to hit her head approximately 10 times, “while also grabbing the back of her hair and smashing her face into the ground.” Arielle Konig also told the police that she saw her husband take two syringes from his bag and attempt to use them on her.

Two women witnessed the attack after running toward the sound of Arielle Konig screaming, “Help! Help me!” They told officers they saw the victim on her back with Gerhart Konig on top of her, hitting her in the head.

After the alleged attack, Arielle Konig filed for divorce and obtained a restraining order against the defendant. In her petition for divorce, Arielle Konig said her husband had accused her of having an affair and that he had sexually abused and assaulted her.

At the time of his arrest, Gerhardt Konig worked as an anesthesiologist at Maui Health; he was suspended at the outset of the investigation.

DAILY TRIAL HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 10 -4/8/26

• LIVESTREAM: HI v. Gerhardt Konig – Day 10 | Trouble in Paradise Trial
• The jury reached its verdict.

DAY 9 – 4/7/26

• LIVESTREAM: HI v. Gerhardt Konig – Day 9 | Trouble in Paradise Trial
• Thomas Iinuma, Honolulu Police Dept. was recalled to the stand
  • Questioned about forensic evidence from the defendant’s computer, specifically the “last access” timestamps on files.
  • Acknowledged that computers can automatically access files (through antivirus scans, indexing or system processes), meaning those timestamps don’t always mean a person opened them.
  • On redirect, explained that the pattern of access in this case (files opened on different days over months) was more consistent with human activity than an automated scan.
• The defense rested its case.
• The prosecution delivered closing arguments.
  • Argued that Gerhardt Konig intentionally tried to kill his wife using multiple plans (pushing her off a cliff, hitting her with a rock and attempting to inject her with a syringe).
  • Arielle Konig’s testimony was corroborated by physical evidence, digital records, eyewitnesses and the defendant’s own confession which shows premeditation, motive and intent.
  • The severity of Arielle Konig’s injuries or her defensive actions do not absolve the defendant, whow as the initial aggressor.
  • WATCH: Prosecutors Say Doctor Tried to Kill Wife During Hawaii Hike: Closing Argument
• The defense delivered closing arguments.
  • Gerhardt Konig did not premeditate an attack on his wife, and a supposed “hiking plan” doesn’t make sense.
  • Painted Arielle Konig as unreliable and deceptive, highlighting contradictions in her testimony and saying physical evidence doesn’t match her story.
  • WATCH: Defense For Doctor Begs Jury for Not Guilty Verdict in Attempted Murder Trial: Closing Argument
• The jury began its deliberations.

DAY 8 – 4/2/26

• LIVESTREAM: HI v. Gerhardt Konig – Day 8 | Trouble in Paradise Trial
• Gerhardt Konig returned to the witness stand for cross-examination
  • Noticed red flags in Arielle Konig’s behavior in September, but learned about the affair in October.
  • Concedes there was nothing sexual in his wife’s texts with Jeff Miller.
  • He wanted Arielle Konig to quit her job; that would have made her dependent on him.
  • In Dec. 2024, he looked up a person named Andrea Miller on LinkedIn, and signed up for a membership to gain access to her email address. He then sent her an email saying her husband, Jeff, was having an affair with his wife. He termed it an inappropriate relationship and provided his phone number and email as well as Arielle Konig’s.
  • WATCH: Doctor Admits Fall from Hawaii Cliff Could Kill

DAY 7 – 4/1/26

• LIVESTREAM: HI v. Gerhardt Konig – Day 7 | Trouble in Paradise Trial
• Chuck Bussler, Fête Restaurant
  • Restaurant received a reservation for Gerhardt Konig on March 24, 2025, made through OpenTable; it was ultimately marked as a no-show.
• Dr. Jonathan Arden, Forensic pathologist
  • Testified that the victim’s scalp injury looked severe due to heavy bleeding, but was not life-threatening and only involved soft tissue, not the skull or the brain.
  • Agreed with treating doctors that the injury did not qualify as serious bodily harm.
  • Said the injuries were inconsistent with being hit up to 10 times with full force; instead, he estimated they resulted from two to three impacts.
  • During cross-examination, prosecutors emphasized his status as a paid expert who often testifies for the defense.
  • Arden emphasized that Arielle Konig’s concussion symptoms were “self-reported” and there was no evidence to independently confirm them.
  • WATCH: Scalp Injury Tells Different Story in Doctor’s Wife Cliff Attack Case, Expert Says
• Gerhardt Konig, Defendant
  • Testified to his life and career; he grew up in South Africa and moved to San Diego, California, at age 14. He went to medical school at the University of Pittsburgh and then did an anesthesiology residency as well as clinical and teaching roles.
  • Was married before meeting Arielle Konig and had two children with his first wife.
  • Met Arielle Konig on eHarmony; got married in 2018 and had two more children together. The family then moved to Maui.
  • Arielle Konig, who was fully remote, would occasionally travel for work, including a trip to South Africa in 2024, which the defendant found unusual because of her limited communication during the trip.
  • Described Arielle Konig as secretive with her phone, hiding messages and later becoming defensive when questioned.
    • WATCH: Defendant Claims Wife Hid Phone, Sparking Suspicion Before Alleged Attack
  • He later accessed his wife’s WhatsApp messages and discovered extensive personal conversations with a coworker, including gaps where messages had been deleted. The messages suggested an intimate connection and made him suspicious that Arielle Konig was cheating.
    • WATCH: Defendant: Wife Hid Secret Affair Before Alleged Attack
  • After he confronted his wife, she admitted to the affair and was remorseful. They decided to work on their marriage.
  • He purchased a recording device because he suspected Arielle Konig was lying about their relationship and he wanted proof, but he felt hopeful about their relationship.
  • Denied any intent to harm her and emphasized that hiking was a normal activity for the couple.
  • During the altercation, he acted in self-defense and never intended to hurt his wife, though he felt horrible about the injuries he sustained. The incident left him in severe emotional distress and suicidal, prompting his call to his son, Emile, to say goodbye.
    • WATCH: Doctor Claims Affair Fallout Fueled Tension Before Cliff Attack
  • MORE: ‘I was almost pushed over the edge’: Gerhardt Konig claims he acted in self-defense

DAY 6 – 3/31/26

• LIVESTREAM: HI v. Gerhardt Konig – Day 6 | Trouble in Paradise Trial
• Det. Thomas Iinuma, digital forensics examiner, Honolulu Police Department
  • Assigned to examine an iPhone, a SIM card and a laptop.
  • Could not use grey key on the iPhone because it was off. He was able to access the make, model, Apple email address on the phone, the software and the phone number.
  • SIM card was in an iPhone 13 Pro
  • Used equipment to make an image of the hard drive from the laptop.
  • Could only look for content inside the timeframe and using keywords outlined in the search warrant (Dec. 1, 2024, to March 24, 2025).
  • There were three user profiles on the computer, but only one active: GKonig (Gerhardt Konig)
  • Artifact of searches on Reddit from Google Chrome
    • Dec. 24, 2024, 4:34 am: visited Reddit page “Lying again” under Subreddit “as one after infidelity”
    • Dec. 24, 2024, 4:37 am: called “its over” under Subreddit “as one after infidelity”
    • Dec. 24, 2024, 4:57 am: ‘Those who have been betrayed did you fall out of” under Subreddit “as one after infidelity”
    • Dec. 24, 2024, 4:49 am: “I did a horrible thing” under Subreddit “as one after infidelity”
    • Dec. 25, 2024, 3:25 am: “Wives why did you do it” under Subreddit “as one after infidelity”
    • Dec. 25, 2024, 3:38 am: “Peer support advice and removals” under Subreddit “as one after infidelity”
    • Dec. 25, 2024, 3:45 am: My wife cheated on me two years ago and I forgave her and now I found out she didn’t give me the whole story and I am considering divorce again. How can I trust her again? Under relationship advice.
  • Purchased a voice-activated audio recorder from Walmart that was delivered to his home.
  • Looked at his searches for Maui secret hikes on Feb. 28, 2025.
  • March 3, 2025 7:19 am: Searched for the Palu Puka hike; goes over all trails, ratings of the hike talking about the steep cliff.
  • Had a dropbox folder called “Divorce”
  • Some of the search terms included “danger,” “death,” “fall,” “kill,” “die,” “cliff” and “hike”
  • WATCH: Doctor on Trial for Wife’s Attempted Murder Searched Reddit for Infidelity
• Emile Konig, Defendant’s son
  • On the morning of March 24, he got two calls from his father.
    • Call 1, 10:42 am: Defendant told him he wouldn’t be making it back to Maui and to take care of the younger kids. He said his stepmother had been cheating on him and he tried to kill her and now he planned to jump off the cliff.
    • Call 2, 11:46 am: Defendant Facetimed Emile and asked if he told anyone and then said again that he planned to jump; he ended the call saying, “I’m going to go before the police catch me.”
  • Saw blood on his father’s shirt.
  • His father told him Arielle had been cheating on him for a couple of months.
  • Now lives with Arielle Konig and hasn’t spoken to his father since the incident.
  • MORE: Gerhardt Konig’s son testifies his father confessed to attempted murder
  • WATCH: Son’s Bombshell Testimony Against Hawaii Doctor on Trial for Wife’s Attempted Murder
• Peter Mast, Arielle Konig’s stepfather
  • Cooling in the relationship over the last year.
  • At a party in late January, the defendant seemed to be pretending everything was normal.
• Judith Mast, Arielle Konig’s mother
  • There was tension and coldness between Arielle and Gerhardt Konig.
  • It seemed like the couple was happy and their relationship was improving before the incident.
• The state rested its case-in-chief.

HEARING OUTSIDE THE JURY’S PRESENCE – 3/30/26

• LIVESTREAM: LIVE HEARING | HI v. Gerhardt Konig | Trouble in Paradise Trial
• The attorneys met outside the presence of the jury to discuss evidentiary issues.

DAY 5 – 3/27/26

• LIVESTREAM: HI v. Gerhardt Konig – Day 5 | Trouble in Paradise Trial
• Michelle Amorin, Criminalist, Honolulu Police Department
  • Explained how DNA and blood testing work, emphasizing that the lab follows strict, accredited procedures to ensure reliable results.
  • Detailed the testing on multiple pieces of evidence, including a rock, swabs from the scene and clothing.
    • Many samples tested positive for human blood and DNA, often from a single female contributor, while some were mixtures from multiple people.
  • When the samples were compared to Gerhardt Konig’s known DNA sample, he was excluded as a contributor for many key items.
• Scott Henderson, Criminalist, Honolulu Police Department
  • Conducted DNA analysis, including forensic DNA testing and probabilistic genotyping, to compare evidence samples to known reference samples.
    • Results are measured with likelihood ratios, which show strong statistical support for inclusion or exclusion.
  • Comparisons in the case included samples from Arielle and Gerhardt Konig.

DAY 4 – 3/25/26

• LIVESTREAM: HI v. Gerhardt Konig – Day 4 | Trouble in Paradise Trial
• Kevin Chun, Honolulu Police Department
  • Testified to bodycamera footage from the incident and described his arrival at the trail and actions while assessing the scene.
  • Observed the alleged victim, Arielle Konig, appearing weak, out of breath and disoriented and noticed other hikers were assisting her.
  • Collected details about the suspect and the environment as he worked to determine whether a crime had occurred.
  • WATCH: Doctor’s Wife Seen Disoriented After Alleged Assault By Husband: Bodycam
• Brittany Copp, evidence specialist, Honolulu Police Department
  • Walked the jury through photos she took of the trail, which showed the layout of the scene, including the main trail, side trail, a “hole in the bush,” and a nearby cliff area.
  • Identified multiple areas with what appeared to be blood-like stains on leaves, branches and the ground, documenting them with close-up images.
  • Collected key evidence, including a rock believed to be connected to the attack, a piece of clothing and several swabs from the suspected blood stains.
  • During cross-examination, she acknowledged that the rock that she photographed may have been moved before she documented it.
• Mohammed Salameh, evidence specialist, Honolulu Police Department
  • Assigned to photograph Gerhardt Konig and collect a DNA reference sample using a buccal swab from the inside of his cheeks.
  • Identified photographs he took of the defendant at the time of the swab.
  • During cross-examination, he confirmed the photos were taken approximately 31 hours after an earlier reference point highlighted by the defense.
• Officer Chauncey Nicola, Honolulu Police Department
  • Testified to his role in locating and apprehending Gerhardt Konig.
  • While driving back from a mountain lookout in an unmarked van, he spotted the defendant, who appeared to have blood on his shirt, and chased him into a grassy area where a struggle ensued before Gerhardt Konig was arrested.
  • Documented the arrest with photographs and secured the suspect’s backpack as evidence.
• Officer Riley Borges, Honolulu Police Department
  • Assisted in the search for Gerhart Konig on the Pali Puka trail on March 24, 2024.
  • Observed the defendant fleeing from brush onto the road and joined in the pursuit with other officers; he helped to subdue the defendant after he resisted arrest, using muscle and pain-compliance techniques.
• Officer Asten Koki, Honolulu Police Department
  • Lead investigator in the case.
  • Detailed evidence collection and documentation of the evidence from the trail, including a blood-stained rock and a black backpack containing personal items and an iPhone.
  • Testified to the chain of custody for all evidence, including a second bag recovered from Maui that contained medical supplies linked to the defendant.
  • Oversaw multiple search warrants, delegated investigative tasks and coordinated with other agencies.
• Det. Tracy Spacek, Honolulu Police Department
  • Testified to the collection and documentation of physical evidence on the trail, including a blood-stained rock and a black backpack containing personal items and an iPhone.
  • Explained the chain of custody for all evidence, including a second bag recovered from Maui that contained medical supplies linked to the defendant.
  • Oversaw multiple search warrants, delegated investigative tasks to other officers and coordinated with other agencies.
  • Confirmed follow-ups with hospital staff and reviewed reports from assisting detectives.

DAY 3 – 3/24/26

• LIVESTREAM: HI v. Gerhardt Konig – Day 3 | Trouble in Paradise Trial
• Arielle Konig, Defendant’s wife and alleged victim
  • Shares two children with the defendant, ages 3 and 5.
  • Went for a hike in March 2025 to celebrate her birthday. Gerhardt planned it and she had never been on the hike.
    • WATCH: Emotional Moment: Doctor’s Wife Reads Birthday Card From Defendant Husband
  • They did not hike the entire trail; she was uncomfortable and didn’t want to keep going.
  • Gerhardt wanted to take a selfie with the cliff in the background; she was uncomfortable.
  • Gerhardt grabbed her by the arm and began pushing her towards the cliff. They wound up struggling on the ground, and at one point she saw he had a syringe in his hand.
  • Gerhardt attacked her with a rock.
    • WATCH: Victim Recounts Alleged Hawaii Cliff Attack by Husband: ‘We Don’t Need You Anymore’
  • Conceded that she had been having an emotional affair with a coworker and that Gehardt had found out about it, calling her a “lying bitch” and a “whore.”
    • WATCH: Doctor’s Wife Details Alleged ‘Emotional Affair’ She Had Prior To Murder Attempt
  • Moved money from the couple’s joint account to a new one with only her name four days before asking her doctor to add traumatic brain injury to the list of injuries she suffered.
  • MORE: Arielle Konig testifies defendant told her, ‘Nobody’s coming to save you’
• Dr. Whitney Carlton, Acute care surgeon
  • On duty in March 2025 and part of the trauma team that treated Arielle Konig.
  • No skull or face fracture; her thumb was fractured.
• Katrina Comeau, Honolulu Police Department
  • Used drone at the scene to look for the assault suspect, but did not find anyone.
• Kevin Chung, Honolulu Police Department
  • Saw three women coming down the trail: Sarah, Amanda and Arielle.
  • Took statements from Amanda and Sarah.
  • One of the women (Arielle) had injuries to her head.
  • The jury saw bloody photos of Arielle.

DAY 2 – 3/20/26

• LIVESTREAM: HI v. Gerhardt Konig – Day 2 | Trouble in Paradise Trial
• Veronica Demelo, police evidence specialist, Honolulu Police Department
  • Collected clothing from Gerhardt Konig; held up the items to show the jury in court.
    • WATCH: Doctor’s Clothes From Alleged Hiking Trail Attack Shown in Court
  • Photos shown to the jury showed Gerhardt Konig with injuries to his face.
    • WATCH: Doctor Had Facial Bruising After Alleged Attempted Murder: Photos
• Garrick Baligad, evidence specialist, Honolulu Police Department
  • The jury saw photos of Arielle Konig’s injuries.
• Vance Lime, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement
  • Searched the area, described the terrain along the trail.
  • Stopped the search around 4, planned to restart at 8
  • The tree canopy was thick; conditions were muddy, wet and slippery.

DAY 1 – 3/19/26

• LIVESTREAM: HI v. Gerhardt Konig – Day 1 | Trouble in Paradise Trial
• Joel Garner delivered opening statements for the state.
  • Witnesses saw Gerhardt Konig holding a rock and hitting his wife in the head with it.
  • Gerhardt Konig and his wife were traveling for her birthday, which he had planned out.
  • He tried to bash his wife in the head multiple times with the rock after she refused to stand at the edge of a cliff with him.
  • Phone, syringe and other items were never recovered.
  • Gerhardt Konig told his son that he tried to kill Arielle Konig but that she got away; Gerhardt Konig said that his wife had been cheating on him for months.
  • WATCH: Defendant Said ‘I’m Sick Of This S***’ Before Attempting to Kill Wife: State
• Thomas Otake delivered opening statements for the defense.
  • Gerhardt Konig is falsely accused and never confessed to his son on the phone.
  • Arielle Konig was having an affair with a married man she worked with, Gerhardt Konig wanted her to quit her job so she wouldn’t be around him.
  • Arielle Konig hit Gerhardt Konig with a rock, and he hit her back in retaliation.
  • There was no premeditated plan, and there were no syringes.
  • WATCH: ‘Unfaithful, Unwilling, Untrue’: Defense Points to Wife in Cliffside Attempted Murder
  • Gerhardt Konig could be seen crying during opening statements.
  • WATCH: Doctor Accused of Trying to Kill Wife Breaks Down in Court
• Amanda Morris, Eyewitness
  • Was on a hike with her friend, Sarah, when she heard a woman screaming ‘Help me.” She saw a woman on her back and a man on top of her, hitting her with a rock.
  • The woman was covered in blood and had big gashes on her head.
  • She did not see any syringes at the scene.
  • MORE: Blood-covered Arielle Konig screamed ‘He’s trying to kill me’: Eyewitnesses
• Sarah Buchsbaum, Eyewitness
  • Heard a woman screaming for help and started running in the direction of the screams.
  • Saw a man standing near the edge of the cliff and a woman crawling towards them. The man had a rock in his hand.
  • Placed 911 call.
  • Described the man as having a cold look in his eyes.
  • WATCH: ‘Cold Look in His Eyes’ Witness Recalls Alleged Attempted Murder of Wife
• Officer Alan Oku, Jr., Honolulu Police Department, homicide enforcement
  • Canvassed the area for a suspect and made diagrams of the hiking area.
  • Did not find phone, wallet, purse, vials or syringe.
  • WATCH: Bodycam Footage Shows Cliff Where Wife Allegedly Attacked