Las Vegas defense attorney Michael Sanft, who represented Duane 'Keffe D' Davis in the murder trial of rapper Tupac Shakur, was found dead at his home on Friday, November 6. Sanft, 55, had filed an appeal on behalf of Davis just days prior, following Davis's conviction in the 1996 killing.
Police confirmed Sanft's death does not appear suspicious, though the cause and manner of death remain undetermined. Davis, 63, was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on October 13 after a Nevada jury found him guilty of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon. He remains the only person ever charged in Shakur's death.
Key Developments in the Case
Davis was convicted in August 2025 for orchestrating the drive-by shooting that killed Shakur on September 7, 1996, in Las Vegas. Prosecutors argued Davis provided the weapon and motive, stemming from a prior altercation involving Shakur and Davis's nephew. Shakur died six days later at age 25.
Sanft had previously indicated plans to appeal, citing concerns over the timing of the prosecution and the police investigation. In a statement to FOX5 after the verdict, Sanft said, “We had the best team possible in this case.”
Background and Legal Context
Shakur was riding in a BMW with Marion 'Suge' Knight, co-founder of Death Row Records, when a gunman in a white Cadillac opened fire. Knight survived with minor injuries. The case remained unsolved for nearly three decades until Davis was charged in 2023, following his 2019 memoir and public interviews describing his role.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence linking Davis to the crime, including witness testimony and ballistics. The defense argued procedural flaws and insufficient evidence. Davis's sentencing marked the first and only conviction related to Shakur's murder.
Next Steps and Unanswered Questions
Sanft's death leaves the appeal process in question, as no immediate successor has been named. The Clark County Coroner's Office has not yet released details on the cause of death. Davis remains incarcerated, with no further updates on the appeal timeline.
Friends and colleagues described Sanft as a dedicated attorney and friend. Michael Sloan, a close associate, stated, “He was one of my best friends and one of the best human beings I knew.” The legal community has not yet commented on potential impacts to Davis's case.
Tupac Shakur's Legacy
Shakur, a hip-hop icon, was killed at the height of his career. His death has remained a subject of public fascination and speculation for nearly 30 years. The conviction of Davis provides a measure of closure for Shakur's family, though questions persist about the full circumstances of the crime.