David Vander Meer, former Vegas youth pastor charged in wife’s murder, dies before court appearance

Key Points:

• David Vander Meer, the former youth pastor charged with murdering his wife Bernadette 20 years after her death at Zion National Park, died by suicide in jail, according to a judge and police statements.
• Vander Meer was facing murder and insurance fraud charges related to Bernadette's 2006 death, which was initially ruled an accident despite suspicious circumstances, including increased life insurance policies.
• Investigations were reopened after the former senior pastor Barry Diamond reported suspicions that Vander Meer pushed Bernadette, and a youth group member revealed Vander Meer had an inappropriate sexual relationship with her starting when she was 16.
• Vander Meer's second wife, identified as SH, was involved in the investigation but will no longer have to testify following Vander Meer's death; Vander Meer and SH had married after Bernadette's death but later divorced.
• Vander Meer had been arrested earlier this week and was in custody awaiting extradition when he sustained self-inflicted injuries leading to his death, ending the renewed investigation into Bernadette's death.