Plastic Surgeon Represents Himself in Murder Trial, Waives Jury

Dr. Tomasz Kosowski, 47, is representing himself in his first-degree murder trial for the alleged March 2023 death of Florida attorney Steve Cozzi. Kosowski, who has pleaded not guilty, dismissed his attorneys just five weeks before the trial began and has waived his right to a jury trial, according to court records. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, and Kosowski has stated he will not oppose capital punishment.

Steve Cozzi, an attorney specializing in bankruptcy and commercial litigation, disappeared from his office on March 21, 2023. Cozzi had previously represented clients sued by Kosowski, court records indicate. Cozzi was reported missing by a colleague after leaving his wallet, car, car keys, and cell phone at the office. Prosecutors allege Cozzi was killed in a communal bathroom, where a colleague found blood on the wall, floor, and toilet seat. Employees also 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 lawyer's blood was found on the interior and exterior of the surgeon's truck, the court heard. Surveillance footage presented by the prosecution reportedly shows Kosowski driving to the law firm on the day of the murder. The video allegedly depicts a man matching Kosowski's description entering the building, and later exiting while dragging what appears to be a wagon to his truck.

Following the alleged murder, Kosowski reportedly fled the Tampa area in a Toyota Corolla registered in his name. During a traffic stop, police discovered a duffel bag containing lighters, a Taser, scissors, brass knuckles, a crowbar, ski masks, a Guy Fawkes mask, a syringe, and a vial of succinylcholine. Assistant State Attorney Alexandra Spadaro described succinylcholine as a paralytic that can be lethal and noted that investigators found evidence Kosowski had researched the drug. Spadaro stated that the paralytic can incapacitate a person, preventing resistance while they remain conscious.

The prosecution also shared footage of Kosowski, handcuffed in a police vehicle, allegedly attempting to destroy evidence by sucking on his fingers. Investigators believe Kosowski drove to a dumpster after the murder, which was later emptied at a county landfill. Despite searches, Cozzi's body has not been recovered. Kosowski, who owned Kendall Plastic Surgery Center in Miami, graduated from Dartmouth Medical School and specialized in breast reconstruction. He also holds degrees in music, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, and an MBA.

In 2019, Kosowski filed a lawsuit 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 decided against Kosowski.