Pinellas doctor charged with attorney’s murder is still looking for new legal representation.

Ten days before his scheduled trial on charges that may result in the death penalty, Tomasz Kosowski, a 46-year-old plastic surgeon from Pinellas County, remains without legal representation amid a high-profile murder case. Kosowski is accused of the first-degree murder of attorney Steven Cozzi, who has been missing since March 23, 2023. A judge at the Pinellas County Justice Center has granted Kosowski an extension to secure counsel, with a hearing set for Wednesday to determine if the trial will commence as scheduled on May 19.

During a recent court appearance, Judge Joseph Bulone expressed concern over Kosowski’s lack of an attorney. Kosowski, appearing in faded orange jail attire and seated alone at the defense table, informed the judge that he and his family were actively seeking new legal representation. Kosowski’s previous defense attorney, Bjorn Brunvand, withdrew from the case after indications that both Kosowski and his mother were dissatisfied with his representation. Kosowski had expressed reluctance to pay Brunvand and even considered filing a grievance against him.

The defense team, prior to its withdrawal, had requested a continuance of the trial due to inadequate preparation time, citing “voluminous discovery” linked to the case. Kosowski reiterated these concerns to Judge Bulone, highlighting that key aspects of the discovery process, including forensics and depositions, remain incomplete.

The prosecution’s case against Kosowski is substantial. Cozzi was last seen at his Largo law office, where his phone and personal belongings were later discovered, and surveillance footage indicated that he did not leave the building after arriving. Investigators uncovered blood in the office restroom and noted suspicious behavior from Kosowski in footage captured around the time of Cozzi’s disappearance. Additional evidence collected from Kosowski’s residence included blood substances, duct tape, and large sums of cash, raising significant alarms among law enforcement.

As the trial date approaches, the legal implications are profound. If convicted, Kosowski faces the possibility of the death penalty, which prosecutors are actively seeking. Judge Bulone emphasized the importance of Kosowski having competent legal representation before the trial proceeds, underscoring the complexity and gravity of the charges against him. This case continues to unfold, attracting considerable public and media scrutiny as the judicial process advances.

The upcoming weeks will be critical as Kosowski navigates these serious allegations while attempting to secure a defense team capable of addressing the complex legal challenges posed by the case. The outcome will undoubtedly have lasting implications for those involved, both legally and personally.