Michael Sanft Dies at 55: Lawyer Who Defended Tupac's Killer

 Michael Sanft, Lawyer Who Defended Tupac Shakur's Killer, Dies at 55

Michael Sanft, the American defense attorney who represented Duane “Keffe D” Davis in the high-profile murder case involving legendary rapper Tupac Shakur, has died at the age of 55.

According to the Clark County Coroner’s Office in Nevada, Sanft’s cause of death has not yet been determined.

CNN affiliate KVVU, citing sources, reported that Sanft was found dead at his home on Friday morning. However, officials have not released an official date of death.

Sanft gained national attention while representing Davis, the only person charged in connection with the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas.

The rapper was 25 years old when he was fatally shot near the Las Vegas Strip, in a murder that remained unsolved for decades.

Prosecutor Pays Tribute to Michael Sanft

Following news of Sanft’s death, Binu Palal, one of the prosecutors involved in the high-profile case, expressed sadness over the loss of the attorney.

Palal described Sanft as a talented trial lawyer and a strong advocate for his clients.

He also explained that although they stood on opposite sides during the Tupac murder trial, their professional differences never affected their friendship or mutual respect.

Sanft was also the lead trial attorney at SOS Injury Lawyers and had handled more than 150 cases that went before juries during his legal career.

Defended Duane Davis in Tupac Murder Case

Sanft represented Duane “Keffe D” Davis, who was accused of orchestrating Tupac Shakur’s murder in September 1996.

Despite the financial challenges facing Davis and his family, Sanft agreed to take on the case without payment.

Davis was eventually convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for his role in the killing.

The case attracted widespread attention because of its connection to one of hip-hop’s most famous unsolved murders.

Michael Sanft's Early Life and Legal Career

According to his law firm's biography, Sanft grew up in Tonga, a Pacific island nation, in a home without electricity. His family shared a water faucet with three other households.

He moved to San Diego, California, when he was 12 years old.

After completing a religious mission, Sanft attended Brigham Young University–Hawaii, where he also became involved with the Polynesian Cultural Center as a dancer.

He later built a successful legal career, earning recognition for his courtroom experience and dedication to representing clients.

During an interview with podcaster Lena Nozizwe, Sanft spoke about his faith and the responsibility he felt while defending Davis in a case where his client's life was at stake.

He explained that he relied on prayer and spiritual guidance to help him perform his duties as a defense attorney.

Sanft's death marks the loss of a lawyer who played a prominent role in one of the most closely followed criminal cases connected to the music industry.

Sources: "CNN" (https://www.cnn.com/), "FOX5 Vegas" (https://www.fox5vegas.com/), "KTNV News" (https://www.ktnv.com/) and "Las Vegas Review-Journal" (https://www.reviewjournal.com/).