Las Vegas Attorney Michael Sanft Found Dead

Michael Sanft, a defense attorney from Las Vegas, was discovered deceased in his home on Friday morning. He was 55 years old. The cause and manner of his death are still under investigation, but police indicated the circumstances did not seem suspicious, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Michael Sloan, a motorcycle companion and close associate, confirmed the death. He described Sanft as a loyal friend and exceptional human being. Sanft’s passing follows his recent involvement in a high-profile criminal case.

Sanft represented Duane “Keffe D” Davis, who was convicted of first-degree murder in the 1996 drive-by shooting of rapper Tupac Shakur. The conviction came after a Nevada jury found Davis guilty in August. He was sentenced in October to 40 years to life imprisonment for the murder.

Tupac Shakur was shot on September 7, 1996, in Las Vegas while riding in a car with Death Row Records co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight. The attack claimed Shakur’s life six days later at age 25, while Knight sustained only minor injuries. The case captivated public attention for nearly three decades.

During the trial, prosecutors claimed that Davis orchestrated the shooting after a feud involving his nephew and Shakur. They highlighted Davis’ own admissions, which placed him at the scene. Sanft contested these assertions, arguing there was no solid evidence of Davis’ presence in Las Vegas or the shooter’s vehicle beyond his statements.

The jury, made up of 12 jurors and four alternates, reached a guilty verdict after three hours of deliberation. Jurors heard testimony over nine days from 24 prosecution witnesses and three defense witnesses.

Unexpectedly, Sanft passed away shortly after appealing Davis’ conviction. Further details on his death have not been disclosed. His demise marked another chapter in the complex and enduring narrative of the Tupac Shakur murder case.