Doctor accused of trying to kill wife on hike in Hawaii found guilty

A Hawaii jury found anesthesiologist Dr. Jonathan Lee guilty of attempted murder on Tuesday, convicting him of trying to kill his wife by pushing her off a cliff during a hike on the island of Oahu in January 2023. The verdict came after a three-week trial where prosecutors argued the attack was a premeditated act of domestic violence disguised as a tragic accident. The prosecution's case centered on forensic evidence and witness testimony that contradicted Dr. Lee's initial claim that his wife, Sarah Chen, had simply slipped and fallen. Security footage from a nearby trail camera showed the couple arguing moments before the incident. Medical experts testified that Ms. Chen's injuries—including defensive wounds on her arms—were inconsistent with an accidental fall but aligned with someone being pushed. Prosecutors presented financial records suggesting Dr. Lee stood to gain significantly from his wife's life insurance policy. During the trial, the defense maintained that the fall was a terrible accident and that Dr. Lee had immediately called for help and attempted to render aid. They highlighted his lack of prior criminal record and his professional standing in the medical community. However, the jury deliberated for less than eight hours before returning a unanimous guilty verdict on all charges, which also included assault and endangerment. The case has drawn significant attention to issues of domestic violence in professional circles and the challenges of prosecuting crimes in remote natural settings. Sentencing is scheduled for next month, where Dr. Lee faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison.