“This is phase one.” Michael Sanft, the lawyer who defended Duane “Keffe D” Davis in the murder trial of Tupac Shakur, was found dead in Las Vegas on Friday, Nov. 6, at the age of 55, USA Today reported. His cause of death is pending, and no further details have been released. USA TODAY reached out to Sanft’s law firm for comment.
The Legal Legacy of a High-Profile Defense
Sanft’s name became synonymous with one of the most closely watched legal battles in recent memory. In August, his client, Duane Keith “Keffe D” Davis, was found guilty of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon for facilitating the fatal 1996 shooting of Shakur. Davis, 63, was subsequently sentenced to 40 years to life in prison in October, making him the first and only person to be charged in the 30-year-old case.
At the center of this legal drama was Sanft himself. Following the sentencing, he was vocal in his disagreement with the jury’s decision. “We had the best team possible in this case, from the motion practice work on this appeal to our investigator to our firm here at SOS Injury. We all did our part. I don’t see what I could’ve done differently,” he told local outlet FOX5. Sanft expressed his disappointment but also a forward-looking perspective, a sentiment he shared with his client: “He had reminded me this is phase one. Because I was upset with the verdict, I was very disappointed in the jury. Mr. Davis was the one who said, 'Don't worry about it, man, this is the first phase,' and I said, 'I understand, I hate to lose.'" His actions showed that resolve; court records obtained by USA TODAY show he filed a notice of appeal on Oct. 30.
A Career Built on High-Stakes Trials
While his defense of Keffe D brought him wide recognition, Sanft’s career was defined by a long history of high-stakes litigation. His biography on the SOS Injury Lawyers website describes him as “one of the most respected and effective trial attorneys in America,” with decades of experience trying more than 150 cases. At the time of his death, he served as the firm’s lead trial attorney, a role that cemented his reputation in the Nevada legal community.
His path to this prominent position was unconventional. Sanft grew up on the island of Tongo and moved with his family to San Diego, California, when he was 12. He later served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attended BYU-Hawaii, where he danced at the Polynesian Cultural Center. His bio states he decided to pursue law “the next logical step in his journey” given his “relentless work ethic, natural ability to connect with people, and desire to help society’s most vulnerable individuals.”
Legal Appeal Left in Limbo
- Michael Sanft’s death at 55 leaves a high-profile legal appeal in limbo, as he was the lead attorney for Duane “Keffe D” Davis, who was sentenced to 40 years to life for the murder of Tupac Shakur.
- Sanft had expressed his intention to appeal the conviction, and court records obtained by USA TODAY show he filed a notice of appeal on Oct. 30.
- Sanft was a prominent Nevada trial attorney with more than 150 cases tried, and served as lead trial attorney at SOS Injury Lawyers.
Death Casts Shadow over Case
The news of Sanft’s death broke on the same day it was confirmed, Friday, Nov. 6. A spokesperson for the Clark County Office of the Coroner confirmed the details to USA TODAY, noting his age and location but providing no immediate cause of death.
This development comes at a critical juncture. The legal battle surrounding the Tupac Shakur case, which spanned three decades, had reached a definitive conclusion with the conviction and sentencing of Davis. Sanft's role was central, from attending court proceedings on Aug. 31 to delivering closing arguments. His death casts a shadow over the finality of that case, particularly given his stated intention to continue the fight through the appeals process.
A Legal Figure Remembered
For colleagues and those who followed the case, Sanft is remembered not just for the headline-grabbing case that dominated his final months, but for the entirety of his professional life. His firm’s website lauds his effectiveness and respect within the legal field, painting a picture of an attorney dedicated to his craft. His ability to connect with clients, as seen in his relationship with Keffe D, was a key part of his public persona. His final public comments, a mix of professional disappointment and personal resolve, offer a final window into his character as a lawyer who, even in defeat, was already planning for the next move. The full extent of his legal and personal legacy will now be assessed by those who knew him and the clients he represented throughout his career.
“We had the best team possible in this case, from the motion practice work on this appeal to our investigator to our firm here at SOS Injury. We all did our part. We all did our part. I don’t see what I could’ve done differently.”
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
🚨🇺🇲 DEFENSE ATTORNEY for Tupac's convicted killer FOUND DEAD in Las Vegas Michael Sanft defended Duane “Keffe D” Davis in the Tupac Shakur murder trial. He was reported dead last night in Las Vegas. The Clark County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death today. The cause and…
More on Michael Sanft
Michael Sanft, the defense attorney who represented Duane "Keffe D" Davis in the Tupac Shakur murder trial, has been found dead at age 55. His exact cause of death has not been released.😭 https://t.co/n5rEyFJbRd
Michael Sanft, the defense attorney who represented Keefe D in the Tupac Shakur murder trial, has died. Sanft was found dead at his home in Las Vegas on Friday morning. He died Thursday night. Police sources say the death is considered natural, likely a sudden medical episode…
Michael Sanft, 55, the Las Vegas attorney who defended Duane “Keffe D” Davis pro bono in the Tupac murder trial, was found dead at his home. The Clark County Coroner’s Office confirmed it; cause and manner of death remain pending. Davis was convicted in August and sentenced to 40…
