Plastic Surgeon Accused of Murder Represents Himself in Court, Declines Death Penalty Opposition

Dr. Tomasz Kosowski, 47, a plastic surgeon accused of murdering Florida attorney Steve Cozzi, has opted to represent himself in court and waived his right to a jury trial, just weeks before his trial began.

Kosowski faces charges of first-degree murder in the March 2023 death of Cozzi. Prosecutors allege Kosowski killed Cozzi in the bathroom of his law office and disposed of the body in a landfill. Cozzi's body has never been recovered. Kosowski has pleaded not guilty.

Cozzi, an attorney specializing in bankruptcy and commercial litigation at Blanchard Law, disappeared from his workplace on March 21, 2023. Prosecutors presented evidence that Cozzi had previously represented clients sued by Kosowski. Colleagues reported Cozzi missing after finding his wallet, car, keys, and cell phone left behind. A colleague discovered blood on the bathroom wall, floor, and toilet seat, and other employees reported a strong smell of bleach emanating from the restrooms after Cozzi's disappearance.

Forensic analysis revealed a mixture of Cozzi's and Kosowski's DNA in the bathroom, and the victim's blood was found on the interior and exterior of Kosowski's truck, according to the prosecution. Surveillance footage presented in court allegedly shows Kosowski driving to Cozzi's law firm on the day of the murder. The video reportedly depicts a man matching Kosowski's description entering the building and later leaving two hours later, dragging what appears to be a wagon toward the back of his truck.

Following the alleged murder, Kosowski fled the Tampa area in a Toyota Corolla registered in his name. During a traffic stop, police discovered a duffel bag containing items Assistant State Attorney Alexandra Spadaro described as a "murder bag." The bag contained lighters, a Taser, scissors, brass knuckles, a crowbar, ski masks, a Guy Fawkes mask, a syringe, and a vial of succinylcholine, a paralytic drug. Spadaro stated that investigators found evidence Kosowski had researched the drug, noting that it can be lethal or used to incapacitate someone, hindering their ability to resist while remaining conscious.

Investigators traced Kosowski's route after the alleged murder, determining he stopped at a dumpster that was later emptied at the Collier County landfill. Despite searches, Cozzi's body was not found. The trial also included footage of Kosowski in the back of a police vehicle, allegedly attempting to destroy evidence by sucking on his fingers and using his teeth.

Kosowski, who previously owned Kendall Plastic Surgery Center in Miami and graduated from Dartmouth Medical School, has stated he will not oppose capital punishment or ask the court to spare his life if convicted. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Cozzi was an attorney specializing in bankruptcy and commercial litigation at Blanchard Law in Largo, Florida. He was married to Michael Montgomery.

Previously, Kosowski filed a lawsuit in 2019 against his former employer, Dunedin Surgical Consultants, LLC., alleging improper handling of insurance claims. Cozzi was listed as a legal representative for the defendants in that case, which was ultimately ruled against Kosowski.