Michael Sanft, defense lawyer in Tupac Shakur murder trial, found dead at 55

Michael Sanft, a Las Vegas defense attorney, was found dead inside his home on Friday morning. He was 55 years old. Sanft was representing Duane "Keffe D" Davis, the man accused in the murder case of rapper Tupac Shakur.

According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Sanft was found dead inside his own home on Friday morning. The cause and manner of his death have not yet been determined. Police told the outlet that the death did not appear suspicious.

Sanft's close friend Michael Sloan confirmed his death. Sloan said he rode motorcycles with Sanft. Remembering him, Sloan said Sanft was one of his best friends and one of the best human beings he knew.

Sanft's death came just days after he filed an appeal challenging his client Davis's conviction. The news of his death arrived shortly after that appeal was filed.

Duane "Keffe D" Davis is the first person convicted in connection with Shakur's 1996 killing. Last August, a Nevada jury found him guilty of first-degree murder with the use of a deadly weapon. On October 13, he was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison.

Jurors deliberated for about three hours before reaching their verdict. The jury consisted of 12 jurors and four alternates. Over nine days of trial, the panel heard testimony from 24 prosecution witnesses and three defense witnesses.

Prosecutors argued that Davis orchestrated the killing after his nephew was involved in a fight with Shakur and Knight earlier that night. During closing arguments, prosecutor Binu Palal told jurors that Davis obtained a gun and "went hunting" for the two men. Prosecutors also pointed to Davis's own statements placing himself inside the Cadillac used in the shooting.

Sanft disputed the prosecution's case, telling jurors there was no evidence beyond Davis's statements placing his client in Las Vegas or inside the Cadillac.

The verdict prompted an emotional scene in court. Shakur's sister, Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, cried as the verdict was read, while Davis's son covered his face with one hand. Davis was held without bail after the verdict and before his sentencing in October.

On September 7, 1996, Shakur was riding in a BMW with Death Row Records co-founder Marion "Suge" Knight near the Las Vegas Strip when a gunman in a white Cadillac opened fire. Knight survived with minor injuries, while Shakur died six days later at age 25.

Fox News Digital said it reached out to the Clark County coroner's office and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for comment. No further details about Sanft's death were immediately available.