Overview
- David Vander Meer was arrested in Las Vegas by U.S. Marshals on Monday and charged in Washington County, Utah with murder and insurance fraud in connection with his wife Bernadette’s 2006 fall from Angels Landing.
- An arrest-warrant affidavit alleges Vander Meer groomed a youth-group member, carried on an extramarital relationship, and killed his wife to conceal that relationship and collect roughly $567,000 in life-insurance proceeds.
- At the time of the August 22, 2006 fall investigators ruled the death an accident because of limited evidence, and the case was closed until new tips prompted a reopening of the probe.
- Prosecutors have asked the public for additional witnesses and information, Vander Meer’s employer placed him on administrative leave, and he is in custody pending court proceedings.
- Angels Landing is a steep, high-risk trail where fatal falls have long occurred, Bernadette’s family have long questioned the original finding, and the allegations in the affidavit remain unproven in court.