Jon David: A Voice for Victims

By: Susan Lang

Crime fighting twins. It sounds like something out of the pages of a superhero comic book. But for residents of New Hanover and Pender counties, it is a reality in identical twins District Attorney Ben David and Assistant District Attorney Jon David, who work in tandem to get criminals off the streets.

“No one is above the law or beneath its protection,” says Jon David.

Together the Davids prosecute every murder that takes place in their jurisdiction and are among the most experienced prosecutors in southeastern North Carolina. Jon has personally handled over 100 jury trials including some of the most high profile cases in the area.  Recent trials include the UNC-Wilmington murders, the Oakdale Cemetery vandalism case and the murder of real estate agent Gail Tice in the Landfall subdivision. 

The crime-fighting duo is looking at expanding its citizenry, encompassing an even greater spread – a five county area, to be exact. Jon is running for District Attorney for the thirteenth Judicial District in the Nov. 7 elections, which includes Brunswick, Columbus and Bladen counties.

“I have a genuine commitment to making our community a safer place, and, where crime does occur, I will work diligently to ensure that justice is done,” he says.

Jon’s concern about fairness and justice for victims is truly a way of life for he and his brother. In the waiting area of the Davids’ shared office is a wall covered with photographs of murder victims. Jon calls this the Victim’s Wall, explaining that seeing these faces every day reminds him why he chose the path he has taken. 

“I regard my career not so much as a job, but a calling,” he says.

Often his pursuit of justice leads Jon to respond to murder scenes, even in the middle of the night -- he is involved in the case from the beginning to end.  He leads the investigation and works in tandem with law enforcement officers ensuring that when the case comes to trial, no detail has been overlooked.

“People want fairness, justice and truth," Jon says. "They have the right to be treated equally."

As a related concept, Jon believes deeply that the administration of justice should depend on the merits of the case, not who the defendant happens to be -- or his political affiliation.

A Florida native, Jon moved to the Wilmington area five years ago to be closer to his brother and his wife’s family. His background in criminal justice spans over 10 years, as an Assistant DA in Miami and here in New Hanover and Pender counties. Jon graduated with honors from the Florida State University with a degree in criminal justice; he received his Juris Doctor from the University of Florida School of Law where he served as Chairman of Moot Court.

In addition to his work prosecuting murder cases, Jon is also an adjunct professor at UNC-W, teaching Criminal Justice.  Believing in helping to build a better community, he is an active member of the board of directors of Hope Harbor Home, a domestic violence shelter in Brunswick County.

Being a twin, Jon knows all about connections.  He envisions a judicial district that connects with other judicial districts. With his brother as District Attorney in New Hanover and Pender counties, many of these bridges are already built.  Together, the David brothers want to continue making our community a safer place to live.