Anesthesiologist attempts to kill wife by shoving her off cliff

When a doctor harms a patient at work, they can be at risk of civil or criminal prosecution. When a doctor harms someone in their personal life, they can also face prosecution—if others learn of their crime, that is.

Some doctors commit criminal acts under the radar, causing harm to family members for months without law enforcement or coworkers getting involved.

This April, after 46-year-old Maui anesthesiologist Gerhardt Konig was indicted for brutally attacking his wife during a hike, new reports revealed he had allegedly sexually abused and assaulted her for months prior to the attack. ^[]

The violent situation highlights an unsettling reality: Some doctors may act professionally in their workplace but violently at home.

More about the case

Reports allege that Gerhadt Konig pushed his wife, Arielle Konig, toward the edge of a cliff while on a hike in Honolulu, HI, on March 24, 2025.

Additionally, reports allege that Gerhadt Konig bashed Arielle Konig in the head with a rock and attempted to inject her with a syringe.

The attack ended when witnesses yelled that they were calling 911. Arielle Konig subsequently met with police and was transported to a hospital, NBC News reported. ^[]

Arielle has since filed for divorce. On May 13, a judge denied the doctor's request to be released on bail while he fights the murder charges.^[]

What to do if a coworker is acting violently at home

“Although most states do not impose a legal duty on doctors to report suspected abuse of adults outside the workplace, healthcare professionals are permitted and often encouraged to take meaningful steps to prevent further harm,” says John Fitch, JD, an Ohio-based personal injury lawyer and the founder of The Fitch Law Firm.

According to Fitch, if you suspect immediate danger—especially to a minor—you can alert law enforcement or protective services, provide affidavits or testimony for restraining orders, and report physician abuse to the state medical board or compliance division.

While there are ways you can intervene, there are also steps that you should not take, as these may cause legal or ethical issues. According to Fitch, healthcare workers should be mindful of these tips:

• Don't access a doctor’s private or protected information, such as private medical records, HR files, or electronic communications, without authorization

• Don't spread accusations without substantiation, due to the potential risks of civil liability for defamation if rumors harm a doctor’s reputation.

• Don't attempt to conduct unauthorized investigations, surveillance, personal confrontations, or unapproved interviews that may interfere with law enforcement or be considered “obstruction.”

“The most appropriate course of action is to follow established procedures for reporting and intervention, allowing authorities and legal mechanisms to manage the situation,” Fitch says.