Florida Plastic Surgeon Faces Murder Trial Without Jury

A Florida plastic surgeon is undergoing a rare trial, accused of murdering an attorney who opposed him in court and discarding the body in a landfill.

Dr. Tomasz Kosowski, 47, represents himself as he contends with a first-degree murder charge that carries the possibility of the death penalty. He has waived his right to a jury, allowing a judge to decide his fate in the Pinellas County trial.

Kosowski was arrested in March 2023, connected to the disappearance of attorney Steven Cozzi. Despite the charges, he maintains his innocence.

Cozzi, involved in a civil lawsuit against Kosowski since 2019 over money linked to personal injury work, represented corporate clients that Kosowski was suing. This legal dispute led to a hostile relationship, with Kosowski blaming Cozzi for difficulties in the case.

Attorney Jake Pillsbury, who worked with Cozzi, revealed that Kosowski made unwarranted accusations and had confrontations with Cozzi, including an incident in the restroom during a deposition.

Concerns for Cozzi’s safety grew, leading his husband, Michael Montgomery, to suggest on-site security when dealing with Kosowski.

Disappearance and Investigation

On March 21, 2023, Cozzi and Kosowski had a teleconference hearing scheduled. Cozzi left his belongings on his desk and went to the restroom but never returned.

Later, Cozzi’s boss found blood in the restroom. Security footage shows a person arriving in a silver Toyota Tundra that morning, alleged to be Kosowski. A man wearing dark gloves and carrying a large box entered the building. He later left with a wagon covered by a reddish orange blanket.

Surveillance tracks the Tundra to Kosowski’s home, capturing a red bag or blanket resembling a human body in the truck’s bed.

Two days later, investigators found further evidence in Kosowski’s home, including blood traces and Cozzi’s DNA both in the truck and on the garage floor.

Evidence and Trial Details

Among items found during searches were a ballistic vest stained with blood, two phones, cash, passports, and various suspicious items in a so-called ‘murder bag’ containing paralytic drugs connected to Kosowski’s Miami office.

Video footage showed Kosowski’s attempts to tamper with potential evidence after his arrest by sucking on his fingers.

Prosecution alleges Kosowski planned Cozzi’s murder well in advance, including visiting Cozzi’s home and workplace to gather information.

Challenges in the Search for Cozzi

Kosowski’s cellphone was tracked to a dumpster where human detection K-9s alerted, although Cozzi’s body was never recovered.

Further investigation involved tracking down a garbage truck driver who described an unusually vile smell from the load suspected to contain Cozzi’s remains.

Trial Proceedings

Throughout his trial, Kosowski, representing himself, has stayed mostly silent, objecting to the admission of various evidences collected against him.

His objections, including those challenging DNA evidence, have been largely denied, but he maintains the ability to counter these in closing arguments.

The trial is set to continue, with Kosowski’s fate yet undecided.