# Florida Surgeon Self-Represents in Murder Trial of Attorney Steven Cozzi
- Medio: Civic Coast News (https://civiccoastnews.com)
- URL: https://civiccoastnews.com/noticia/florida-surgeon-self-represents-in-murder-trial-of-attorney-steven-cozzi
- Sección: Security
- Autor: Civic Coast News Staff
- Publicado: 2026-09-21T07:09:52.021Z
> Florida plastic surgeon Tomasz Kosowski is representing himself in court, facing first-degree murder charges for the disappearance and alleged killing of attorney Steven Cozzi.

## Las claves

- Tomasz Kosowski faces trial for the 2023 death of attorney Steven Cozzi
- Trial takes place in Pinellas County with a judge deciding the verdict
- Prosecutors allege premeditation and body disposal via dumpster

TAMPA, Fla. — An unusual criminal proceeding is currently underway in Pinellas County as Dr. Tomasz Kosowski, a 47-year-old Florida plastic surgeon, represents himself against first-degree murder charges with the possibility of the death penalty. The trial centers on the disappearance and alleged killing of attorney Steven Cozzi, whose body has never been recovered by law enforcement officials.

### Legal Dispute Escalates to Violence

The conflict between Kosowski and Cozzi originated from a civil lawsuit involving personal injury cases that began in 2019. Court records indicate that Cozzi represented corporate clients suing Kosowski for money allegedly owed for work performed on those cases. During the litigation, Kosowski developed a hostile attitude toward Cozzi, blaming him for legal setbacks and demanding his removal as defense counsel.

Jake Pillsbury, an attorney who worked with Cozzi, stated in court that Kosowski made "unwarranted, inappropriate accusations" against the lawyer. According to testimony, tensions escalated during a deposition when Kosowski allegedly approached Cozzi in a restroom, called him a "scumbag," and claimed he would win the case.

### Evidence of Premeditation

Prosecutors allege that Kosowski planned the killing long before it occurred. Surveillance footage from March 21, 2023, shows a silver Toyota Tundra arriving at Cozzi’s office around 8:30 a.m., which authorities identify as Kosowski’s vehicle. Security video captures a man in dark gloves entering with a box large enough to conceal a human body, as we reported in [Florida Attorney Faces Prison After Probation Violation and New Arrests](/noticia/florida-attorney-faces-prison-after-probation-violation-and-new-arrests).

At approximately 10:22 a.m., the same individual exited pulling a wagon covered by a reddish-orange blanket, appearing to struggle with its weight. The truck was later tracked driving toward Kosowski’s home in Tarpon Springs. Investigators found blood inside the vehicle and on the garage floor, along with Cozzi’s DNA, a story we covered in [Florida Attorney Faces Prison After Probation Violation and New Arrests](/noticia/florida-attorney-faces-prison-after-probation-violation-and-new-arrests).

### Discovery of Suspicious Items

A search warrant executed at Kosowski’s residence revealed a ballistic vest covered in blood, two passports, $282,000 in cash, and industrial garbage bags. Prosecutors described one black duffel bag as a "murder bag," containing lighters, brass knuckles, ski masks, a Taser, and a syringe labeled with succinylcholine, a paralytic drug connected to Kosowski’s Miami plastic surgery office, more details at [NBC News](https://nbcnews.com).

Following his arrest in March 2023, body camera footage captured Kosowski struggling beneath the feet of patrol officers. Prosecutors allege he then "meticulously suck[ed] on each of his fingers" using his teeth and tongue to destroy potential DNA evidence. Investigators also found fingerprints matching Kosowski’s in a utility closet where a masked man was spotted hiding prior to Cozzi's disappearance.
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Fuente original: https://civiccoastnews.com/noticia/florida-surgeon-self-represents-in-murder-trial-of-attorney-steven-cozzi