Tupac Trial Defense Attorney Michael Sanft Dies at 55

​LAS VEGAS — Michael Sanft, the prominent Nevada defense attorney who represented Duane Keith “Keffe D” Davis during the high-profile murder trial tied to the 1996 killing of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur, has died at the age of 55.

​According to officials from the Clark County Office of the Coroner, Sanft was found dead in Las Vegas. Authorities have not yet disclosed an official cause or manner of death, though local law enforcement indicated the incident did not initially appear suspicious.

​A Legal Battle Winding Down

​Sanft’s sudden passing comes just weeks after wrapping up one of the most heavily scrutinized courtroom battles in modern pop-culture and criminal history. In August, a Las Vegas jury convicted the 63-year-old Davis of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon for his role in orchestrating the drive-by shooting that claimed Shakur’s life. Davis subsequently received a sentence of 40 years to life in prison, marking the first conviction secured in connection with the decades-old homicide.

​Despite the setback at trial, Sanft remained a vocal advocate for his client, expressing deep disappointment with the jury’s verdict while vowing to fight on appeal. Court records confirm that Sanft took the initial formal steps toward challenging the outcome, filing a notice of appeal on October 30.

​In post-trial interviews, Sanft defended his legal team’s exhaustive efforts, noting that Davis himself viewed the verdict merely as the opening chapter of a prolonged appellate fight. “We had the best team possible in this case,” Sanft noted shortly after the sentencing.

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​A Journey from Tonga to the Courtroom

​Born in Tonga, Sanft moved with his family to San Diego, California, when he was 12 years old. Prior to establishing himself in the legal profession, he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attended BYU-Hawaii, where he performed at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

​Graduating from law school to pursue what he regarded as a natural fit for his strong work ethic and deep empathy for vulnerable individuals, Sanft built a stellar reputation in Nevada. As the lead trial attorney at SOS Injury Lawyers in Las Vegas, he amassed extensive courtroom experience, trying well over 150 cases to a jury verdict. Aside from the Davis litigation, Sanft’s high-profile portfolio included representing former Las Vegas City Councilwoman Michele Fiore.

​Tributes and Next Steps

​Colleagues and friends have shared heartfelt tributes following the news of his passing, remembering him as a charismatic, dedicated advocate and a loyal friend who brought warmth and safety to those around him.

​As the local coroner’s office continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, legal experts are left questioning how Davis’s ongoing appeal will proceed and who will ultimately step forward to take over the defense.