# Defense Attorney Michael Sanft Dies at 54 The lawyer who represented Keffe D in the Tupac Shakur murder trial passes away. - **Source:** [Billboard](https://www.billboard.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/29af791d-b9b4-4d09-900f-bd11616229ab ## Attorney Michael Sanft Passes Michael Sanft, a prominent Las Vegas defense attorney, has died at the age of 54. He was widely recognized for his role as the lead trial lawyer representing Duane 'Keffe D' Davis in the high-profile murder case of Tupac Shakur. His death was reported by FOX5 Las Vegas on Thursday night. ## Pro Bono Defense Strategy Sanft took on the complex case of Keffe D on a pro bono basis while maintaining his position at SOS Injury Lawyers. During his career at the firm, he successfully tried more than 150 cases. He assembled a specialized team to handle the defense, including investigators and motion practice experts. ## Reflections on Trial Outcome Following the conclusion of the highly publicized murder trial, Sanft expressed no regrets regarding his legal strategy. He noted that his team performed their duties effectively despite the challenging nature of the proceedings. He humorously remarked that only a psychic could have better helped him discern the ideal jury composition. ## The Tupac Shakur Case The trial centered on the 1996 drive-by shooting that claimed the life of 25-year-old Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas. The incident occurred shortly after the rapper attended a Mike Tyson fight. For three decades, the case remained one of the most significant unsolved mysteries in the history of American hip-hop culture. ## Sentencing of Keffe D Duane 'Keffe D' Davis, now 63, was found guilty of orchestrating the killing of Tupac Shakur. Judge Carli Kierny sentenced him to 40 years in prison for his role in the crime. The judge emphasized that justice was finally served for the events that transpired on September 7, 1996, in Las Vegas. ## Judicial Perspective on Justice During the sentencing hearing, Judge Kierny addressed the defendant directly regarding the gravity of the offense. She stated that taking a man's life and future cannot go unpunished. The court highlighted the long duration of the investigation, noting that it took thirty years to finally bring the responsible party to justice. ## Limited Details on Passing As of now, the specific cause of Michael Sanft's death has not been confirmed by authorities or his family. Details surrounding his passing remain limited, leaving the legal community in Las Vegas to mourn the loss of a veteran trial attorney who spent his career navigating complex criminal and injury litigation. ## Legacy in Legal Practice Sanft's career was defined by his extensive work in the courtroom, particularly his dedication to the SOS Injury Lawyers firm. His involvement in the Tupac Shakur murder trial ensured his name remained in the public eye. His sudden death marks the end of a significant chapter for those involved in the case. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.billboard.com/business/legal/michael-sanft-deaf-keffe-d-attorney-2pac-murder-trial-1236376793/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._