Hawaii anesthesiologist Gerhardt Konig says he acted in self‑defense after his wife allegedly shoved him near the edge of a 1,200‑foot cliff during a March 24, 2025 hike at Pali Lookout. He denies carrying syringes and says he struck Arielle only after she attacked him with a rock. His son, Emile, testified that Gerhardt told him by FaceTime, 'I tried to kill' Arielle, a claim that undermines the self‑defense account. Bodycam footage and witness testimony show Arielle injured; she has not been charged.
Hawaii Doctor Says He Was 'Shoved' Near 1,200‑Foot Cliff — Claims Self‑Defense in Wife's Attempted Murder Trial
Gerhardt Konig in court; Arielle Konig and witnesses in bodycam footage.Credit: Court TV/YouTube (2)
Hawaii anesthesiologist Gerhardt Konig took the stand on April 1 in his attempted murder trial, testifying that he acted in self‑defense after his wife allegedly shoved him near the edge of a 1,200‑foot cliff at the Pali lookout on Oahu on March 24, 2025.
Defendant's Account
Konig told jurors the couple had been struggling in the months before the trip amid tensions over what he believed was an affair involving his wife, Arielle Konig. According to his testimony, the two briefly separated on the trail after an argument but later reconciled atop the cliff, where they paused to take a selfie.
He said he suddenly "felt a shove" and was "almost pushed over the edge." When he approached Arielle to ask what was happening, he testified, she began screaming for help, grabbed his wrist, pulled him to the ground and — he alleges — hit him with a rock and grabbed his genitals. Konig said he wrested the rock away and struck Arielle twice "on instinct to defend myself." He also denied carrying syringes that day.
Arielle Konig in court (left); and Gerhardt Konig mugshot.Credit: Court TV; Honolulu Police Department
Contradictory Testimony
The self‑defense claim conflicts with testimony earlier in the week from his son, Emile Konig. Emile testified that, during a FaceTime call immediately after the incident, his father had blood splattered on his shirt and told him, 'I tried to kill' Arielle and that he was 'at the end of his rope.' Emile said Gerhardt made no mention of self‑defense on that call.
Victim, Witnesses and Evidence
Arielle, a nuclear scientist, testified last week that she felt "uneasy" during the hike and that Gerhardt suddenly attacked her after she stepped away from the cliff edge to take a photo. Bodycam footage introduced at trial shows Arielle with blood streaming down her face as two bystanders assisted her; both witnesses have testified they called 911 after hearing screams. Prosecutors say two hikers intervened and helped save her life.
Legal Status: Gerhardt Konig is charged with attempted murder. Arielle Konig has not been charged in connection with his claims.
The trial is ongoing and Konig is expected to continue his testimony.
Resources: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1‑800‑799‑7233 or visit thehotline.org for confidential, 24/7 support.
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