A former Las Vegas youth pastor charged in connection with his wife’s 2006 death at Zion National Park has died while in custody. His passing was confirmed days before an extradition hearing was scheduled to begin. David Vander Meer, 49, had been arrested earlier this week on murder and insurance fraud charges stemming from the death of his first wife, Bernadette Vander Meer.
Ex-Las Vegas Youth Pastor Dies Before Court Hearing
David Vander Meer died Thursday after being transported from the Clark County Detention Center to a local hospital for treatment of what Las Vegas Metropolitan Police described as “self-sustained injuries.”
During a scheduled extradition hearing in Las Vegas Justice Court, Judge Eric Goodman informed those present that Vander Meer had died before proceedings could begin. Per NBC News, court records later confirmed that he was no longer listed as an inmate at the detention center.
Police did not publicly identify the deceased inmate. However, authorities confirmed that a 49-year-old man died after being taken to a hospital from the detention facility. Vander Meer was 49 years old…