Hawaii doctor accused of trying to kill his wife convicted of attempted manslaughter
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Gerhardt Konig, a Hawaii anesthesiologist, was convicted of attempted manslaughter based on extreme mental or emotional disturbance for attacking his wife during a hike, a charge carrying up to 20 years in prison; sentencing is scheduled for August 13.
- Prosecutors said Konig planned to kill his wife after learning about her relationship with a coworker, attempting to push her off a cliff, stab her with a syringe, and ultimately striking her with a rock before two hikers intervened.
- The jury accepted that Konig was under extreme emotional disturbance due to his wife's affair, reducing the charge from attempted murder to attempted manslaughter under Hawaii law.
- Konig and his attorney denied the murder intent, claiming self-defense during a physical altercation and disputing the presence of a syringe; his lawyer plans to appeal the verdict.
- The trial revealed marital problems and conflicting testimonies, with Konig's wife filing for divorce following the incident, which occurred on the dangerous, officially closed Pali Puka trail in Honolulu.
