LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — We're learning the Las Vegas man accused of killing his wife 20 years ago has died before his first appearance in court.
WATCH | Senior reporter Mary Kielar was in the courtroom and shares the latest:
David Vander Meer, 49, was arrested on Monday for murder and insurance fraud charges for the death of Bernadette Vander Meer.
She died after falling from Angels Landing in Zion National Park in August 2006.
During court Thursday morning, it was confirmed that the defendant was deceased.
Channel 13 reached out to Bernadette's mother, Laura, who told us that she was sad for David's family.
WATCH the full hearing here:
Investigators originally ruled her death an accident, but police say new tips led to his arrest this week.
Court documents allege Vander Meer increased the couple's life insurance policies before the trip.
WATCH | Alyssa Bethencourt sat down with Bernadette's family in the wake of his arrest, and they told her they never stopped hoping for justice.
Vander Meer previously served as a church youth pastor, and according to an arrest report obtained by Channel 13, he was taken into custody while working at TruFusion, a yoga studio located in Summerlin.
Vander Meer was held at the Clark County Detention Center on a warrant from the Washington County, Utah, attorney's office.
Also on Thursday morning, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department announced that a 49-year-old man held at the Clark County jail was taken to UMC for self-sustained injuries and ultimately was pronounced dead.
Police also said that the inmate had been in custody since Monday, June 22, and was held as a fugitive from another state.
