Full Breakdown
Florida Plastic Surgeon on Trial for Alleged Murder of Attorney Steven Cozzi
By Drooid · · How we work
Alleged Murder and Unusual Bench Trial
Dr. Tomasz Kosowski, a 47-year-old plastic surgeon, faces a first-degree murder charge with a possible death-penalty sentence for the disappearance of attorney Steven Cozzi, 41, on March 21, 2023. Kosowski has waived his right to a jury and is representing himself before Pinellas County Circuit Judge Joseph Bulone, who will render both the verdict and any sentence.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The conflict began in 2019 when Kosowski sued his former employer over alleged unpaid fees tied to personal-injury cases. Cozzi, of Blanchard Law, represented the corporate clients Kosowski was suing. Court records show Kosowski grew hostile, repeatedly demanding Cozzi’s removal as counsel and accusing him of “unwarranted, inappropriate accusations” during the litigation. “He made a bunch of completely unwarranted, inappropriate accusations about Steve throughout the litigation,” — Jake Pillsbury, an attorney
Evidence Presented
- Blood and DNA: Blood spatter was discovered in the law-office restroom; forensic analysis linked the blood to Cozzi and found Kosowski’s DNA on the bathroom door, floor and in his vehicle.
- Surveillance Footage: Video shows a masked individual entering the office with a large box, later wheeling a heavy wagon onto a gray Toyota Tundra at approximately 10:22 a.m. Prosecutors identify the individual as Kosowski.
- Vehicle Search: A search of Kosowski’s garage uncovered a silver Toyota Tundra with blood on the driver’s side headrest, floorboard and garage floor; the truck’s bed contained a red bag resembling a human body.
- “Murder Bag” Contents: Police recovered industrial-size garbage bags, a ballistic vest, a medical-first-responder vest, $282,000 in cash, two passports, lighters, a Taser, brass knuckles, scissors, a crowbar, ski masks, a Guy Fawkes mask, a syringe and a vial of succinylcholine.
Official Statements & Responses
- Prosecution: The state alleges Kosowski planned the killing weeks in advance, citing visits to Cozzi’s home and the law office, masked presence in an electrical closet, and online searches of Cozzi’s personal information. Prosecutors say the body was placed in a dumpster near Alligator Alley and later collected by a garbage truck whose driver described a “vile” smell.
- Defense: Kosowski maintains his innocence, objected to the admission of DNA and vehicle evidence, and sought to suppress the forensic testimony. Judge Bulone denied these motions, allowing the evidence to remain for the bench trial.
- Judicial Oversight: Judge Bulone rejected Kosowski’s request to have the prosecutor step into a trash bag during testimony, deeming it inappropriate. “Before we move on, you mentioned something about capacity. How tall are you, Mr. Vonderheide?” — Kosowski
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Body Recovery: Despite extensive searches of the Collier County landfill and analysis of truck footage, Cozzi’s remains have not been found, leaving the exact disposal site unverified.
- Exact Timeline of Disposal: Prosecutors assert the body was moved to the dumpster and later to the landfill within days; defense counsel has not provided an alternative timeline.
What’s Next
The bench trial will reconvene later this month, with Judge Bulone set to hear the remaining prosecution and defense presentations. After the verdict, the same judge will determine whether Kosowski receives life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.