Michael Sanft, Las Vegas Attorney for Keffe D in Tupac Murder Trial Dies

Michael Sanft, a Las Vegas defense lawyer, died at age 55 after being reported missing on Thursday night. The Clark County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death on Friday, but the cause and manner remain under investigation.

Michael Sanft’s Role in the Tupac Murder Trial

Sanft acted as the lead defense attorney for Duane “Keffe D” Davis, the primary suspect in the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur. He represented Davis on a pro bono basis while serving as the lead trial attorney at SOS Injury Lawyers, a firm where he had tried more than 150 cases to jury verdict and argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Keefe D Lawyer Representation

In the capacity of a keefe d lawyer, Sanft managed motion practice, coordinated investigators, and oversaw the overall defense strategy. After the trial concluded, a jury found Davis guilty in August, a result Sanft publicly described as disappointing.

Details of Sanft’s Death

According to sources, Sanft was reported dead on Thursday night in Las Vegas. The Clark County Coroner’s Office confirmed the death the following day, noting his age as 55. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has directed all inquiries to the coroner’s office, and no official cause of death has been released.

Michael Sanft Attorney Profile

Sanft’s career spanned more than two decades. He moved to San Diego at age 12, later attended Brigham Young University‑Hawaii, and eventually joined SOS Injury Lawyers. His litigation experience included arguing before the Ninth Circuit and handling a wide range of personal injury cases.

Next Steps in the Davis Appeal

Following the guilty verdict, Davis’s defense team filed a notice of appeal on October 30. Sanft had indicated that the appeal would proceed, though his death may affect the team’s composition moving forward.

Sanft also reflected on the trial’s emotional toll, recalling a moment after the verdict when Davis told him, “this is phase one,” urging him not to dwell on the loss. He expressed that, despite the outcome, the defense team had performed to the best of their ability.

Sources: FOX5 Vegas, KSNV, Las Vegas Review-Journal.