In 2022, investigators reopened an inquiry into Bernadette Vander Meer’s fatal fall from Angels Landing after receiving new information that David had groomed and been sexually involved with a minor in his youth group ministry at that time, according to a court affidavit.

The woman, now an adult, relayed to investigators that David Vander Meer had told her they could only be together if Bernadette was not alive, according to court documents.

Local authorities had previously ruled her death an accident, but prosecutors recently accused David Vander Meer of being responsible. He was arrested on Monday and charged with murder.