Full Breakdown
Verdict in Murder Trial of Dr. Tomasz Kosowski
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A Pinellas County judge found Dr. Tomasz Kosowski guilty of first-degree murder for the death of Largo attorney Steven Cozzi, who vanished from the Blanchard Law office on March 21, 2023. Kosowski, a former plastic surgeon who represented himself and waived a jury trial, faced a bench trial in Clearwater, Florida. The judge determined that the state proved two of three aggravating factors—financial motive and premeditated, cold-calculated conduct—beyond a reasonable doubt, leaving open the possibility of either life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.
Background & Context
The dispute originated in a civil lawsuit in which Cozzi represented a medical clinic sued by Kosowski over alleged unpaid fees. The litigation stretched over several years, during which Kosowski allegedly harassed Cozzi, including a confrontational exchange in a bathroom in January 2023. Prosecutors described Kosowski’s “malicious and personal obsession” with Cozzi, asserting that the murder was planned months in advance.
Data & Statistics
- Blood matching Cozzi was recovered from the law-office bathroom, the bed of Kosowski’s pickup truck, and the floor of his garage.
- Surveillance video captured a man entering the office with a large box, later seen wheeling a heavy wagon to a Toyota Tundra truck.
- At arrest, officers found nearly $300,000 in cash, two passports, and a duffel bag containing masks, brass knuckles, a taser, a crowbar, and a syringe of succinylcholine.
- A garbage truck collected a dumpster believed to contain Cozzi’s body on March 23, 2023, and hauled it to the Collier County landfill; no remains have been recovered.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Joseph Bulone noted that, while the state proved two aggravating factors, the evidence did not satisfy the burden for a third factor describing the killing as “especially heinous, atrocious and cruel.” Kosowski offered no witnesses and declined to testify during the penalty phase, prompting the court to appoint a special prosecutor to present mitigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Not only is it impossible physically to do what the state asserts is required of anybody, let alone me, it makes no sense in time,” — Tomasz Kosowski, plastic surgeon
- “I cannot describe the horrors this has brought me, and all of Steven's loved ones. It brings me more anger than I can put in words.” — Michael Montgomery, Cozzi’s husband
- “This man murdered Steven Cozzi, and he murdered him in a violent way, leaving his blood in a multitude of locations," Vonderheide said.” — Nathan Vonderheide, assistant state attorney
- “Most examples of pro se representation in capital cases have ended with convictions and death sentences,” — Robin Maher, Death Penalty Information Center executive director
What’s Next
The court will hold a sentencing hearing in October, during which the judge will decide whether Kosowski receives the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. A special prosecutor will present any mitigating evidence the court appoints.