U.S. Marshals arrested David Vander Meer, a former Las Vegas youth pastor, on Monday. Prosecutors have charged him with murder and insurance fraud in the 2006 death of his wife, Bernadette Vander Meer, at Zion National Park.
The case, which was originally closed due to a lack of evidence, was reopened last year after a senior pastor expressed doubts about the death being accidental. Investigators had considered the circumstances suspicious at the time.
Prosecutors allege that a little over 17 months before Bernadette's death on Aug. 22, 2006, David Vander Meer took out life insurance policies for himself and his wife, each valued at $150,000. Eight months prior to her death, in November 2005, he increased these policies by $400,000 each. After Bernadette's death was ruled an accident, Vander Meer submitted a claim and received $567,439 in November 2006. The affidavit states that he allegedly spent this money on vehicles and trips for romantic partners.
At the time of the incident, Vander Meer told authorities that his wife fell from a cliff while they were hiking. He claimed he was clearing obstructions for a camera he had set up to photograph the couple when she fell, and that he heard her scream. Bernadette's father, however, expressed disbelief, stating his daughter was an experienced hiker and unlikely to fall from a cliff.
Investigators reopened the case after receiving a tip in April 2022 from a former member of Vander Meer's youth group. This individual, identified in the affidavit as "SH," claimed to have been in a sexual relationship with Vander Meer when she was 16 years old. She reportedly ended the relationship the night before Bernadette's death, stating she felt it was wrong. According to the affidavit, "SH" later told investigators that Vander Meer allegedly said, "the only way they could be together is if Bernadette was not alive."
"SH" and Vander Meer later married in 2008, with "SH" stating it was so David could be on her health insurance. They divorced in 2014, and Vander Meer married at least two more times. Information from the pastor who reported his suspicions also indicated that multiple underage members of Vander Meer's former youth group had reported engaging in sexual relationships with him.
Further details in the affidavit describe an incident where Vander Meer and "SH" were together in a church when Bernadette arrived, reportedly suspicious. Vander Meer allegedly provided false information to officers during interviews, denying any infidelity, which investigators later learned was untrue. The affidavit suggests that Vander Meer had significant personal and professional risks, including losing his job, marriage, and potentially facing criminal charges and registration as a sex offender, if his infidelity and relationship with "SH" were discovered.
Vander Meer was arrested and is being held at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. His initial court appearance has not yet occurred.