A Nevada man has been charged with murder and insurance fraud over the death of his wife at Utah's Zion National Park nearly two decades ago. David Vander Meer is accused of pushing Bernadette Vander Meer from Angel's Landing during a 2006 hike.
Police say the death was initially ruled an accident after Bernadette Vander Meer fell 1,200 feet while the couple took sunrise photos on an anniversary trip. David Vander Meer told investigators she approached the edge and fell as he set aside their backpacks.
New evidence emerged from a 2022 tip about an alleged affair with a teen in his youth group ministry. The woman later married him and said he had discussed the need for Bernadette to be out of the way. He received a life insurance payout of about $567,439 after the incident was deemed accidental.
Investigators noted conflicting statements from David Vander Meer about the morning's lighting and his actions. A former church boss also contacted authorities in 2025 claiming the fall was no accident.
David Vander Meer is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.