The murder trial of former plastic surgeon Tomasz Kosowski has begun in Largo, Florida, over the disappearance and presumed death of Pinellas County attorney Steven Cozzi.
Kosowski, 47, is charged with first-degree murder. He has waived his right to a jury trial, leaving Pinellas Circuit Judge Joseph Bulone to decide both whether he is guilty and, if necessary, whether he should receive the death penalty.
The trial opened on Monday, 14 September 2026. Kosowski is expected to represent himself, with standby lawyers available to assist him. Court records show he formally continued as a self-represented defendant after a series of changes in legal representation.
Evidence in the Steven Cozzi murder case
Cozzi was last seen entering his law firm in Largo on 21 March 2023. Investigators say he was representing parties in a civil dispute involving Kosowski, who was suing his former employer.
Police allege that a man wearing gloves, carrying a backpack and a large box, entered the office building shortly before Cozzi arrived. Security footage later showed a person believed to be the same man leaving with a heavy cart and struggling to load it into a grey Toyota Tundra.
Prosecutors are expected to present evidence that the truck was later found at Kosowski’s home. Investigators also reported finding substantial quantities of blood in the office building, as well as blood in the truck and on items recovered during the investigation.
Cozzi’s body has never been recovered. Detectives believe Kosowski travelled to the Everglades after the alleged killing and disposed of the body in a rubbish container.
Prosecutors allege that Kosowski had visited the office building several times before Cozzi disappeared, including one occasion when he was allegedly found hiding in a utility cupboard. They also say he had been recording vehicles in the area.
Kosowski has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, but because he waived a jury for both the guilt and sentencing phases, the final decision will rest with Judge Bulone.
