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Michael Sanft, the Las Vegas attorney who defended 'Keefe D' Davis and Michele Fiore, has died at 55
Michael Sanft, the Las Vegas attorney who defended Duane "Keefe D" Davis in the Tupac Shakur murder case, was found dead at home. Sources say a medical episode appears likely, but the cause of death is pending.
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What happened
Michael Sanft, a Las Vegas attorney known for representing high-profile clients, has died at 55, KTNV Channel 13 reported Friday. Sources confirmed the death to the station's 13 Investigates team, and Sanft was found dead at his home. His cause of death had not been released as of Friday afternoon.
What investigators are saying
Early indications
Multiple sources told ABC News that Sanft's death so far appears to be the result of a medical episode and does not show signs of foul play, according to KTNV. The coroner's office said the official cause and manner of death are still pending.
Why homicide detectives are involved
Because the death is high-profile, homicide investigators are working the scene to make sure the circumstances are fully understood, KTNV reported. Sources said investigators will pull cameras and screen for drugs. No drugs, and nothing else suggesting an overdose, had been found in the house, the sources said.
A career in high-profile cases
The Tupac Shakur case
Sanft drew national attention as the lawyer for Duane "Keefe D" Davis, who was found guilty in August of orchestrating the 1996 murder of rapper Tupac Shakur. KTNV reported that Sanft took on the case of the onetime Compton gang leader pro bono.
His defense argued that the prosecution's account had serious gaps and that, 30 years later, the only evidence was Davis' own multiple confessions. Sanft maintained in court that those confessions were boastful lies, at times arguing directly with witnesses, according to KTNV.
The Michele Fiore case
Sanft also represented Michele Fiore, a former Las Vegas City Councilwoman who was then a Pahrump Justice of the Peace, in her 2024 wire fraud and conspiracy case. After a federal jury found Fiore guilty of funneling money from charitable and political causes for her own use, Sanft withdrew from the case. KTNV noted that Fiore was later pardoned by President Donald Trump.
Background and community work
From Tonga to Las Vegas
Sanft was the lead trial attorney at SOS Injury Lawyers, a Las Vegas-based personal injury firm. His biography on the firm's website says he grew up in Tonga and moved with his family to San Diego at age 12. He served a proselyting mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attended Brigham Young University in Hawaii, where he also danced at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
The biography says he tried more than 150 cases and earned a reputation "as a formidable trial attorney, securing favorable outcomes for hundreds of clients." It describes him as driven by a strong work ethic and a desire to advocate for people in need.
Local appearances
Sanft and his firm appeared several times on KTNV's "Las Vegas Morning Blend" to highlight charitable causes and work in the Las Vegas community, the station reported. That included the firm's "Small Dog Law" initiative, which promoted local animal rescues.
What to watch next
- The coroner's office ruling on the official cause and manner of Sanft's death, which KTNV reported is still pending.
- Results of the homicide investigators' review of the scene, including camera footage and drug screening, according to sources cited by KTNV.