Former Youth Pastor Arrested in Connection with Wife’s Death

On Monday, federal marshals took into custody David Vander Meer, a former youth pastor, after he was charged with murder and insurance fraud linked to the 2006 death of his wife, Bernadette Vander Meer, while they were hiking in Zion National Park.

Initially, authorities had closed the investigation, deeming the incident an accident. However, last year, the case was reopened following comments from Barry Diamond, the senior pastor at Vander Meer’s church, who expressed doubts about the circumstances of Bernadette’s death. A probable cause affidavit notes that investigators found the original lack of evidence and investigation concerning.

More than a year prior to Bernadette’s death on August 22, 2006, David had taken out life insurance policies on both of them, each worth $150,000. Furthermore, in November 2005, he increased these policies by an additional $400,000, according to the affidavit.

After Bernadette’s death, which was labeled an accident, Vander Meer filed for insurance and received a payment of $567,439 in July 2007. Reports suggest he spent this money on expensive cars and trips with a girlfriend.

Vander Meer claimed that his wife had fallen off a cliff during their hike in Utah. According to the affidavit, he was attempting to adjust a camera for pictures when he heard her scream as she fell. However, Bernadette’s father expressed skepticism about this account.

“I hiked with her a lot,” said her father, Richard Gudenkauf. “She was a mountain goat. How could she fall off a cliff? No.” Such declarations added to the mounting scrutiny on Vander Meer.

In April 2022, investigators received tips from former members of his youth group, alleging that Vander Meer had exploited his role of trust while working with minors. One tipster, only identified as “SH,” claimed to have had a sexual relationship with Vander Meer when he was 16. Allegedly, he ended that relationship the night before Bernadette’s death, feeling it was inappropriate.

As the investigation progressed, the same tipster suggested that Vander Meer had said the only way they could be together was if Bernadette was not alive. This prompted renewed scrutiny into Vander Meer’s actions leading up to Bernadette’s death.

The accusations grew when Vander Meer reconnected with the tipster, eventually marrying in 2008. They divorced in 2014, and reports indicate that he has married at least two times since then.

Furthermore, during an interview, pastor Diamond informed the Washington County Attorney’s Office that several young members of Vander Meer’s former youth group reported having had sexual relationships with him while they were minors. One incident detailed in the affidavit described a situation where Bernadette showed up at the church looking for David while he was with SH.

In questioning, Vander Meer reportedly provided false information, denying any infidelity, which investigators later disproved. The affidavit suggests that David had significant stakes in maintaining his marriage, job, and avoiding criminal charges because of SH’s age at the time of their relationship.

Despite the investigator recommending Vander Meer’s arrest without bail, a judge set bail at $100,000. Currently, Vander Meer remains at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas, awaiting his first court appearance.