Tupac Murder Trial Lawyer Michael Sanft Dies at 55

Sanft’s death was confirmed by the Clark County coroner’s office. The cause and manner of death remain pending. Police said the death did not appear suspicious, and no further details were released. A friend said Sanft was found at his home on the morning of November 6.

Sanft represented Davis in the high-profile case over Shakur’s 1996 killing. Davis was convicted of first-degree murder in August and sentenced on October 13 to 40 years to life in prison. Sanft filed an appeal in the case about a week before his death.

During the trial, Sanft challenged the credibility of Davis, who had repeatedly spoken about his role, and criticized the law enforcement investigation. Prosecutors who worked against him described him as a talented lawyer and a friend, despite their opposing roles in court.

Sanft had practiced law for decades and tried more than 150 cases to jury verdict, according to his law firm’s biography. He grew up in Tonga and moved to San Diego at age 12. He later attended Brigham Young University–Hawaii and law school at Brigham Young University, earned his law license in 2002 and was a father of two.