Michael Sanft, Attorney Who Defended Keefe D Pro Bono in Tupac Trial, Reportedly Dies at 54

By WWETV Staff | November 6, 2026

Michael Sanft, the Las Vegas attorney who represented Duane “Keefe D” Davis without charging legal fees during the Tupac Shakur murder trial, has reportedly died at 54.

KTNV reported Friday that sources confirmed Sanft’s death. His cause of death had not been released as of Friday afternoon.

Friend Confirms Death to Local Newspaper

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Michael Sloan, a Clark County District Court marshal and friend of Sanft, confirmed his passing. Sloan told the newspaper that Sanft’s body was found at home Friday morning.

Sloan remembered him as “one of my best friends and one of the best human beings I knew.”

Sanft Took Keefe D’s Defense Pro Bono

Sanft’s involvement in the Tupac case brought him national attention. In an August interview with FOX5, he explained that he accepted Davis’s defense pro bono and believed his client was innocent.

He said handling the case without financial expectations allowed him to pursue the defense without payment concerns affecting his work.

Davis was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 40 years to life in prison. KSNV reported that Davis had been planning to appeal his conviction.

Details Surrounding His Death Remain Limited

Sanft served as lead trial attorney at SOS Injury Lawyers in Las Vegas. Although local outlets have reported his passing, the circumstances surrounding his death remain publicly unconfirmed.

KSNV reported that Las Vegas Metropolitan Police referred questions about his death to the Clark County Coroner’s Office. No cause of death was available in the reporting reviewed for this article.

WorldWide Entertainment TV extends its condolences to Michael Sanft’s family, friends and colleagues.

Sources: KTNV | Las Vegas Review-Journal | FOX5 pro bono interview

This is a developing story. Information reflects reporting available on November 6, 2026.