Defense team for surgeon charged with murdering attorney in Pinellas withdraws from case.

Defense attorneys for Tomasz Kosowski, a plastic surgeon from Pinellas County, have officially withdrawn from representing him in a high-profile murder case linked to the death of Largo attorney Steven Cozzi. This development, which stems from an ethical conflict of interest, was approved by a Pinellas County judge on Thursday. Consequently, it is anticipated that Kosowski’s first-degree murder trial, originally set to commence on May 19, will face further delays. If found guilty, Kosowski could face the death penalty.

Attorneys for Kosowski filed a motion for withdrawal, citing unspecified ethical concerns. During a hearing, Judge Joseph Bulone granted their request. According to Bjorn Brunvand, one of the attorneys, Kosowski’s dissatisfaction with the legal representation became evident through comments made during jail video visitations with his mother. Reports indicated that Kosowski expressed intentions to ensure that Brunvand would not receive payment for his services and suggested filing a grievance against him.

When questioned about the desire to terminate his attorney’s services in court, Kosowski reportedly remained unresponsive. Brunvand conveyed that he had additional concerns that prompted the request to withdraw but felt it inappropriate to disclose those details in open court. Following Kosowski’s objection to discussing private matters with the judge, Brunvand reaffirmed the need to protect client confidentiality.

The judge set a subsequent hearing for May 9, where Kosowski must decide whether to seek new representation or to represent himself. Prior to the recent developments, the adequacy of the trial timing had already been in question, as Brunvand had previously filed a motion seeking to postpone the proceedings. He argued that the defense lacked sufficient time to prepare adequately, noting the voluminous and incomplete nature of discovery materials essential for the case.

Kosowski, aged 46, had previously worked as a plastic surgeon both in Pinellas County and Miami. In 2023, he initiated a lawsuit regarding a medical billing dispute, with Cozzi representing one of the involved defendants. The interactions between the two had reportedly escalated in hostility, leading to confrontations during depositions.

Cozzi disappeared in March 2023 after arriving at his Largo office but failing to leave. Surveillance footage confirmed his arrival, while later investigations uncovered blood in the office restroom and a mysterious individual, believed to be Kosowski, leaving the premise with an unidentified object. Although cellphone records formed part of the evidence that led to murder charges against Kosowski, Cozzi’s body has yet to be located.

As this case unfolds, the implications for both the legal community and the broader public remain significant, drawing attention to issues of legal representation, ethical conflicts, and the ongoing search for justice.