A nearly 20-year-old case has been reopened, with a senior pastor's alert to authorities sparking a new investigation into the death of Bernadette Vander Meer.
A probable cause affidavit states that the senior pastor did not believe Vander Meer's death was accidental, leading authorities to re-examine the case.
Vander Meer, who allegedly worked as a school counselor, was arrested on Monday by U.S. Marshals on charges of murder and insurance fraud.
According to the affidavit, the initial investigation into Vander Meer's death was limited due to a lack of evidence, and the case was initially ruled an accident.
However, investigators felt the circumstances surrounding Vander Meer's death were suspicious, and a lengthy investigation ultimately led to prosecutors charging him with murder and insurance fraud.
Vander Meer was being held at the Clark County Detention Center and was awaiting extradition from Nevada to Utah.
