Pinellas doctor charged with killing attorney scheduled to face trial soon.
A Pinellas County plastic surgeon, Tomasz Kosowski, faces trial for the alleged murder of local attorney Steven Cozzi, yet remains without legal representation just days before proceedings are set to commence. Scheduled to begin on Monday, the trial has been delayed at least temporarily, as Kosowski opted to represent himself after his previous attorneys withdrew from the case, citing ethical conflicts.
During a hearing on Wednesday, Pinellas Circuit Judge Joseph Bulone emphasized the necessity for Kosowski to secure a lawyer before the next scheduled hearing on May 28. Kosowski appeared alone at the courtroom lectern on Wednesday, reiterating his decision to defend himself. Judge Bulone expressed concern about the ongoing lack of legal representation, stating that the trial could not proceed indefinitely without a qualified attorney present.
Kosowski, 46, is charged with first-degree murder in connection to Cozzi’s disappearance, which occurred on March 23, 2023. Cozzi, who had represented defendants in a lawsuit filed by Kosowski over a medical billing dispute, was last seen leaving his Largo office. Disconcertingly, his body has yet to be recovered. If convicted, prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
During the investigation, significant evidence was uncovered linking Kosowski to Cozzi’s alleged murder. Surveillance footage captured Kosowski entering Cozzi’s office just prior to the attorney’s disappearance, while additional video evidence showed him retrieving a large object from the scene. In Kosowski’s home, law enforcement discovered blood, as well as disturbing items including a bloodied ballistic vest and various forms of weaponry, including a Taser and brass knuckles. Notably, blood samples collected from both locations revealed DNA from both men, suggesting a violent altercation may have taken place.
Prosecutors plan to call 56 witnesses over the course of the trial, which is anticipated to extend over six weeks. Although Kosowski has reportedly consulted with several attorneys, he has yet to finalize a choice. Assistant State Attorney Nathan Vonderheide noted that Kosowski has spent considerable time reviewing the case materials while in custody, stating that he has logged over 229 hours on jail computers. Vonderheide acknowledged Kosowski’s intelligence, citing his educational background, and expressed readiness to proceed with the trial once a lawyer is appointed.
As of now, the timeline for a new trial date remains uncertain, but legal proceedings are expected to continue in the near future, as the court seeks to expedite the resolution of the high-profile case.
