Overview
- Washington County prosecutors charged David Vander Meer with murder and insurance fraud on Tuesday after U.S. Marshals arrested him on a warrant on Monday and the county reopened the case following a tip.
- Bernadette Vander Meer fell about 1,200 feet from Angel's Landing in Zion National Park on Aug. 22, 2006, and investigators at the time reported no obvious signs of a struggle at the scene or in the couple's hotel room.
- Investigation documents note the couple boosted their life insurance from roughly $150,000 each to about $600,000 each years before the death, and reporters flagged a prior insurance payout after a Cadillac the husband bought was stolen.
- Prosecutors described David Vander Meer as a former youth pastor and said Bernadette was a worship leader and hotel employee, while a coworker who raised early concerns said David rarely attended her work events.
- Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific new evidence that led to charges and are asking anyone with relevant information to contact the Washington County Attorney's Office as the case moves to 5th District Court.