David Vander Meer, 49, who was charged with murder and insurance fraud in connection with his wife Bernadette Vander Meer's 2006 death, died by suicide on June 25 while in custody. He had been taken into custody on June 22 by U.S. Marshals in Las Vegas.
Bernadette Vander Meer, 28, died after falling from Angel's Landing in Zion National Park in 2006. At the time, her death was ruled an accident due to insufficient evidence, though investigators remained suspicious. The case was reopened in April 2022 following a tip from a former member of Vander Meer's youth group.
According to an affidavit, the former youth group member, identified as SH, claimed to have been in a sexual relationship with Vander Meer from the age of 16 until she was 19 or 20. SH stated that Vander Meer had told her that the only way they could be together was if Bernadette were no longer alive. SH ended their relationship on August 20, 2006, one day before the couple embarked on their hike in Zion National Park.
Vander Meer told investigators in 2006 that he had set up a camera to photograph his wife with the sunrise. As he moved their backpacks, he heard his wife scream and saw her fall an estimated 5,700 feet. However, his account to investigators differed from what he told SH, according to the affidavit.
Bernadette's mother had informed police that her daughter was preparing to leave Vander Meer, who she suspected of having an affair and mismanaging their finances. Handwritten letters from Bernadette found by law enforcement also expressed sadness about their marriage. The couple had recently increased their life insurance policies from $150,000 each to $600,000 each.
A witness, Kathy Page, a childhood friend of Bernadette's, told People magazine that Vander Meer brought another woman, identified as his mistress, to Bernadette's memorial service just a week after her death. Page described Vander Meer as not appearing sad at the memorial, while attendees were sobbing. Bernadette had confided in Page a month prior to her death, expressing suspicions of her husband's infidelity.
After Bernadette's death, Vander Meer and SH rekindled their relationship and married in 2008, reportedly so he could be on her health insurance. They divorced in 2014 after SH suspected infidelity and tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease.
In 2007, following a life insurance payout of approximately $567,439, Vander Meer reportedly lived lavishly. He was fired from his church position in 2008 for hosting parties with underage church members where alcohol was served.
Page told People that Vander Meer's arrest brought a sense of justice for Bernadette and provided closure. She believes Bernadette would have forgiven him, describing her as a forgiving person.