Florida | Plastic surgeon accused of killing attorney to represent himself in death penalty trial

CLEARWATER, Fla. — A former plastic surgeon accused of killing an attorney involved in a lawsuit against his former employer will put his fate in the hands of a judge.

Tomasz Kosowski has waived his right to a jury trial in the murder of attorney Steven Cozzi, according to court records. He has also waived his right to have a jury determine his sentence if he is convicted and the case proceeds to a penalty phase. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

Kosowski plans to represent himself.

During a recent court hearing, the judge asked Kosowski why he decided against a jury trial. Kosowski was reluctant to explain his reasoning.

The case dates back to March 2023, when Cozzi disappeared midmorning while at work at the Blanchard Law firm in Largo.

At the time, Kosowski was suing his former employer, a Dunedin-area cosmetic surgery practice. Cozzi was an attorney representing the practice and some related clients in that litigation.

Court records filed by prosecutors describe growing tension between the two men before Cozzi disappeared. During a January 2023 deposition at Cozzi's law firm, Kosowski and Cozzi encountered each other in a bathroom, according to court filings. Prosecutors say Kosowski confronted Cozzi, called him a "scumbag," and told him he would "win in the end."

On March 21, 2023, Cozzi arrived at work shortly after 8:30 a.m. It was the last time investigators say surveillance video captured him. His keys, wallet, and cellphone, which was still playing music, were left at his desk when we went for a bathroom break.

According to the arrest affidavit, surveillance video showed Kosowski entering the law firm around 8:30 that morning. Investigators say he was later seen leaving at approximately 10:22 a.m., pulling a large cart that appeared heavy and struggling to load it into the back of his Toyota Tundra.

Video surveillance shows Cozzi never walked back out of the law firm.

Investigators later found Cozzi's blood on the bathroom floor, on paper towels, and in the drain, according to court filings. Prosecutors say forensic testing also identified a mixture of Kosowski's DNA and Cozzi's blood on the outside of the bathroom door.

Kosowski and Cozzi were scheduled to participate in a telephone court hearing at 10:30 a.m. that same morning. Kosowski called in. Cozzi did not.

Investigators arrested Kosowski four days later.

According to the arrest affidavit, police searching Kosowski's vehicle found a ballistic vest with blood on it, along with a bag containing masks, a Taser, brass knuckles, duct tape, intravenous sedatives, and syringes. Investigators also linked clothing evidence to the case. Fibers consistent with a red sweater Cozzi was wearing were found on the ballistic vest recovered from Kosowski's vehicle, according to court records.

Cozzi's body has not been recovered.

Source: baynews9.com, Angie Angers, September 14, 2026

"One is absolutely sickened, not by the crimes that the wicked have committed,
but by the punishments that the good have inflicted."
— Oscar Wilde

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