Defense Attorney Criticizes Jury’s Verdict in Tupac Shakur Murder Case

Michael Sanft, defense attorney for Duane ‘Keffe D’ Davis, criticized the jury for holding preconceived notions in the first-degree murder conviction of Davis for Tupac Shakur’s 1996 shooting. Despite evidence he deemed crucial, Sanft expressed disbelief in their quick verdict, reached within three hours.

‘I’m surprised,’ Sanft shared with CBS News. ‘With the evidence available, I don’t believe they thoroughly reviewed it.’ He attributed the conviction to preexisting prejudices rather than a comprehensive evaluation of the case.

Nevada law does not stipulate a minimum deliberation time for juries. Sanft acknowledged initial concerns regarding jury impartiality, noting more pressing pre-trial issues about admissible evidence.

The prosecution argued Davis orchestrated the Las Vegas drive-by, avenging a prior assault on his nephew, Orlando ‘Baby Lane’ Anderson, on September 6, 1996. According to Chief Deputy District Attorney Binu Palal, Davis actively pursued Shakur and Death Row Records co-founder Marion ‘Suge’ Knight, who was also injured but survived.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Marc DiGiacomo deemed the case a ‘slam-dunk’ conviction in his closing statement. While Davis was not accused as the shooter, Nevada law allows a murder conviction if someone aids the crime.

Prosecutors presented a 2008 interview where Davis claimed Anderson fired after receiving the gun Davis passed to the backseat. Anderson was never charged, dying in an unrelated shooting 20 months later. Davis stands as the sole living suspect in the shooting.

Initially offered immunity in exchange for cooperation, Davis negated this agreement with his 2019 book ‘Compton Street Legend’ and various interviews, prosecutors claimed. The book placed Davis in the Cadillac during the shooting, detailing the acquisition of a Glock .40 from Eric ‘Zip’ Martin. Davis later stated he never read the book, attributing his role to mere co-author credit.

Sanft argued Judge Carli Kierny’s decision to admit evidence of Davis’ history of gang leadership and drug trafficking as improper. Sanft contested Kierny’s guidance to the jury, suggesting they need not corroborate Davis’ self-incriminating statements.

‘We knew entering the trial we were disadvantaged,’ Sanft remarked. He likened it to starting a football game 52 to 0 at kickoff, compelled to delegitimize Davis’ admissions as his sole defense strategy.

‘There is no actual evidence supporting the conviction,’ Sanft emphasized, asserting Davis’ innocence in Las Vegas on the shooting day. ‘It was sentiment over substance.’

Davis’ sentencing is on October 13, potentially receiving a life sentence. Sanft plans to appeal, a process spanning over a year.