David Vander Meer, a former youth pastor turned yoga instructor from Las Vegas, passed away while in custody just days after his arrest by U.S. Marshals. He was alleged to have murdered his wife, according to officials.
According to News Media, Vander Meer died while he was awaiting a court hearing that was scheduled for Thursday. The Clark County Office of the Coroner has noted that he passed away on Thursday and stated that his death is currently “pending investigation.”
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reported that on Wednesday, a 49-year-old male inmate at the Clark County Detention Center was transported to University Medical Center for treatment of self-inflicted injuries. The individual was not named, but it was confirmed that he died on Thursday.
The unnamed inmate had been held at the detention facility since June 22 and was a fugitive from another state, stated police officials. They mentioned that the coroner would release the inmate’s identity along with the cause and manner of his death.
The case involves Bernadette Vander Meer, who investigators allege was pushed off a cliff by her husband, David. She was just 29 years old when she died. (KTSU)
Vander Meer was accused of killing his wife Bernadette Vander Meer.
Investigators say she was killed when she “fell” while on a hike with her husband in Zion National Park in Utah, back in 2006.
The case was closed then reopened nearly 20 years later in 2025.
📩 Send me a story idea: kelsie.cairns@fox.com
📸 Instagram: kelsiecairns_tv
🎥 Facebook: Kelsie Cairns
A senior pastor at a church where Vander Meer had worked alerted authorities that he did not think Bernadette’s death was accidental, a probable cause affidavit says.
A possible social media account for Vander Meer says he also worked as a school counselor.
David Vander Meer, who was arrested by U.S. Marshals on a murder charge in his wife’s death, died in custody. (Instagram/Meta)
The affidavit goes on to say, “At the time, due to a lack of evidence, and limited investigation, Bernadette Vander Meer’s fall was ruled an accident and the case was closed — although investigators felt the circumstances were suspicious.”
Angels Landing, pictured here in Zion National Park, is regarded as one of the most dangerous hikes in the U.S., with steep drop-offs where hikers must cling to chains along a knife-edge ridge. (iStock)
U.S. Marshals arrested Vander Meer on charges of murder and insurance fraud on Monday. After a lengthy investigation, prosecutors charged him with murder and insurance fraud.
Vander Meer was due in court on Thursday. Justice of the Peace Eric Goodman announced in court Thursday morning that Vander Meer was dead, local news outlet KLAS reported.
The suspect was jailed at Clark County Detention Center and awaiting extradition from Nevada to Utah, according to the outlet.