An unconventional trial is taking place for Dr. Tomasz Kosowski, a Florida plastic surgeon accused of murdering attorney Steven Cozzi. Prosecutors claim Kosowski disposed of Cozzi’s body in a dumpster, which later ended up at a landfill. Kosowski, representing himself in court, faces a first-degree murder charge and the possibility of the death penalty.
Legal Dispute and Hostility
Kosowski was arrested in March 2023 in connection with Cozzi’s disappearance. Their legal dispute began with a civil lawsuit where Cozzi represented corporate clients suing Kosowski over money allegedly owed to him for personal injury cases work. Kosowski developed animosity towards Cozzi over the years, blaming him for court problems and demanding Cozzi’s removal as defense counsel.
Concerns for Cozzi’s Safety
Cozzi shared with colleagues that Kosowski had verbally confronted him during a deposition. Cozzi’s husband, Michael Montgomery, worried for Cozzi’s safety and suggested security arrangements for Cozzi’s meetings with Kosowski.
Evidential Findings
On March 21, 2023, Cozzi disappeared after leaving items on his desk to attend a teleconference meeting. Blood was found in the office restroom, and security footage purportedly shows Kosowski arriving in a silver Toyota Tundra earlier that day. The video captures a man entering the building with a box allegedly large enough to conceal a body and later leaving with a wagon covered by a reddish orange blanket.
Search and Evidence
Authorities tracked Kosowski’s Tundra to his Tarpon Springs home, finding blood in the truck and on the garage floor, linked to Cozzi’s DNA. Searches discovered multiple items including a ballistic vest, two passports, significant cash sums, and a suspicious black duffel bag labeled “murder bag” containing various implements.
Planning Alleged Murder
Prosecutors argue Kosowski plotted to kill Cozzi well before the disappearance. They included Kosowski’s visits to Cozzi’s residence when Cozzi was unaware and multiple inspections of Cozzi’s workplace. Fingerprints matching Kosowski’s were found in the building’s utility closet.
Missing Body
Investigations revealed Kosowski’s cellphone was tracked traveling to a Miami dumpster site after Cozzi vanished. A canine trained to detect human scents alerted on the dumpster, but no body was found. A garbage truck driver later described a rancid smell emanating from the trash collected around the time.
Trial Proceedings
Kosowski’s trial commenced on Sept. 14. He made a motion to suppress evidence obtained from his Corolla, residence, and body, but these were denied. Kosowski requested a judge-only trial, which began after changes to his plea choices. He cross-examined witnesses and objected to DNA evidence presentation, but the judge allowed him to contest its interpretation in closing arguments.