Defense Attorney Michael Sanft, Representing Duane “Keffe D” Davis, Dies in Las Vegas
Michael Sanft, the defense attorney for Duane "Keffe D" Davis in the Tupac Shakur murder trial, has died in Las Vegas. The 55-year-old's death was reported on Thursday night, and the cause and manner of death are pending.
Terre Haute, IN, November 7, 2026 — Michael Sanft, a defense attorney involved in the Tupac Shakur murder trial, has died in Las Vegas. He was 55 years old.
Sanft was representing Duane “Keffe D” Davis, who is accused in connection with the 1996 killing of the rapper Tupac Shakur. News of Sanft’s death emerged on Thursday night.
The specific cause and manner of Mr. Sanft’s death are currently pending, according to available information. Further details regarding his passing were not immediately released.
The role of defense counsel is critical in legal proceedings, particularly in high-profile cases such as the murder trial involving Davis. Attorneys in such positions navigate complex legal frameworks and represent their clients’ interests throughout the judicial process. The passing of Mr. Sanft leaves a vacancy in his representation within this ongoing legal matter.
Duane “Keffe D” Davis was indicted in September 2023 on a charge of murder with the use of a deadly weapon in connection with the death of Tupac Shakur. The rapper was fatally shot in Las Vegas in September 1996. Davis has maintained his innocence, and his legal team, prior to this development, had been engaged in pre-trial proceedings.
The legal team’s composition and representation are subject to change based on circumstances such as this. The court will likely address the matter of counsel for Duane “Keffe D” Davis in subsequent hearings.
Story summarized from the original created by Martha Cruz, Victoria Saha, Cody Lee, Jordan Gartner on www.wthitv.com, see more information here.
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