Former Vegas youth pastor charged with murder 20 years after his wife’s deadly fall at Zion National Park (opens original article in a new tab)

A former Las Vegas youth pastor was charged with murder and insurance fraud 20 years after his wife fell to her death in Zion National Park, with new evidence leading to the reopening of the case in 2025.

• David Vander Meer charged with murder and insurance fraud 20 years after his wife's death in Zion National Park
• Investigation reopened in 2025 after church leader suspected foul play and reported David pushed Bernadette
• Vander Meer increased life insurance policies before death and received over $567,000 payout in 2007
• Previous youth group member accused Vander Meer of grooming minors and had sexual relationship with him, later married to avoid health insurance issues