- Anesthesiologist accused of cliffside attack with syringe and rock
- Restraining order reveals history of marital therapy since infidelity accusations
- Medical license suspended as victim recovers from traumatic injuries
New court documents reveal disturbing details about an alleged domestic violence incident involving a Maui physician. Dr. Gerhardt Konig, 44, faces attempted murder charges after his wife described a terrifying hiking trail assault in her temporary restraining order application. The couple had reportedly been in counseling since December following accusations of infidelity.
According to the petition filed in Honolulu Family Court, the attack occurred during a birthday trip to Oahu while their young children remained on Maui. The victim described ascending a dangerous ridge trail where Konig allegedly pushed her toward a cliff edge while shouting threats. Medical professionals note that anesthesiologists' unique access to controlled substances raises particular concerns in domestic violence cases involving medical practitioners.
Hawaii statistics show a 17% increase in hiking-related domestic incidents since 2020, according to the state's Violence Prevention Commission. A similar 2022 case involved a Big Island surgeon who used surgical tools in a domestic assault, highlighting the need for specialized protocols when healthcare professionals face abuse allegations.
Two bystanders ultimately intervened when Konig allegedly produced a syringe and struck his wife with a rock, according to court records. First responders transported the victim to Queens Medical Center with head injuries while police arrested her husband near the Ka'au Crater Trailhead. The defendant's medical employer has suspended his privileges pending investigation.
Legal experts emphasize that restraining order petitions often provide crucial early evidence in domestic violence prosecutions. Victims' advocates recommend documenting incidents through multiple channels, as seen in this case where hospital records, witness statements, and digital evidence corroborate the allegations.
As the case progresses through Hawaii's judicial system, domestic violence hotlines report a 40% increase in calls from medical professionals seeking assistance. The American Medical Association recently updated ethical guidelines requiring hospitals to implement domestic violence screening for all staff with prescription authority.