The Nevada Supreme Court has accepted Duane “Keffe D” Davis’ appeal of his conviction in the murder of Tupac Shakur, according to court records viewed by XXL. The development comes as Davis is left without legal representation following the death of his attorney.
Appeal Filed Before Lawyer’s Death
Davis’ attorney, Michael Sanft, submitted the notice of appeal on Oct. 30. The clerk of the Nevada Supreme Court in Las Vegas officially filed the case on Monday, Nov. 9. Sanft died last week at his Las Vegas home. Details about his death have not been released, and police are still investigating.
It is unclear how the appeal will proceed without Sanft. Court documents show the state Supreme Court has given Davis two weeks to file a transcript request form, three weeks to file a docketing statement, and 120 days to file an opening brief.
Sentence and Verdict
In October, Davis, 63, was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison after being found guilty of first-degree murder in Shakur’s 1996 death. Right after the verdict, the former gang member told the judge he wanted to appeal and also wanted the items seized from him during the investigation returned.
“I’d like to have all my stuff back,” Davis told Judge Carli Kierny, who presided over the case. “The computers, all of the phones, everything. And I’d like to appeal this matter.”
Background of the Case
Prosecutors believe Davis supplied the gun used to kill Tupac and was present during the Sept. 7, 1996 shooting. The three other men believed to have been involved have all died. That includes the alleged triggerman, Davis’ nephew Orlando Anderson, who was killed in 1998.
Police have said the shooting was retaliation for Anderson being jumped by Tupac and members of Death Row Records after a Mike Tyson fight.
It remains to be seen who will represent Davis as the appeal moves forward and whether the court’s deadlines will be adjusted given the circumstances.
Source: xxlmag.com
Image: xxlmag.com
