Dr. Tomasz Kosowski, 47, has informed a Pinellas judge he will represent himself at his first-degree murder trial, scheduled for Sept. 14, 2025. Kosowski has asked the court to void motions filed by his former lawyers and refuses certain medical evaluations and mitigation evidence. Authorities say surveillance footage, alleged blood and DNA evidence, and items seized from his home connect him to the disappearance of attorney Steven Cozzi, whose body remains missing. The judge warned that rejecting defense motions could increase Kosowski's exposure to a life sentence if convicted.
Florida Plastic Surgeon Accused Of Killing Attorney Fires Lawyers, Will Represent Himself At Trial
Dr. Tomasz Kosowski representing himself during a hearing in May 2025 (Law&Crime).
LARGO, Fla. — Dr. Tomasz Kosowski, 47, a plastic surgeon charged with first-degree murder, told a Pinellas County judge he intends to represent himself when his criminal trial begins on Sept. 14, 2025.
Court Hearing And Defense Decision
At a recent hearing before Pinellas Circuit Judge Joseph Bulone, Kosowski confirmed he no longer wants his former lawyers to speak for him and said he does not want certain medical evaluations or mitigation evidence presented on his behalf. The proceeding was reported by The Tampa Bay Times.
Former lead defense attorney Daniel Hernandez told the court by email that Kosowski "refuses to sign consent forms" for a doctor's evaluation. Co-counsel Jane McNeill confirmed Hernandez's message and said Kosowski also asked the court to void motions previously filed on his behalf.
Judge Bulone warned Kosowski that rejecting defense motions and declining mitigation evidence could be self-defeating, noting: "It doesn't make any sense for you to ask for that when ultimately what you're asking for is a life sentence if you're convicted of first-degree murder." Kosowski replied, "It makes sense to me."
Background And Alleged Evidence
Prosecutors say Steven Cozzi, 41, an attorney who disappeared in March 2023, was representing a client who had sued Kosowski in a civil billing dispute; Kosowski was representing himself in that civil matter. Cozzi's body has not been recovered, and authorities continue to investigate the disappearance as a homicide.
Police say surveillance footage shows a vehicle identified as Kosowski's Toyota Tundra parked outside Cozzi's law office on the day Cozzi vanished. The footage reportedly captured a person exiting the truck carrying a large box, entering the office with a backpack and gloves, and leaving about two hours later wearing different clothing and pulling a large cart.
After executing a search warrant at Kosowski's office and home, authorities allege they found:
- Blood in the office bathroom that investigators say matched Cozzi,
- DNA attributed to Cozzi in the trunk of Kosowski's vehicle, and
- A bag at Kosowski's home containing brass knuckles, a stun gun, duct tape, masks and syringes that investigators say contained a paralyzing agent and other sedatives.
Kosowski was previously represented by attorneys who withdrew from the case in May 2025, citing ethical reasons. At that time he said he was interviewing new counsel and did not intend to represent himself; he has since changed course.
What Comes Next
Kosowski has asked the court to void many motions filed by his former attorneys, including filings aimed at preventing the death penalty as a sentencing option. The judge will need to determine whether Kosowski is making a knowing, intelligent and competent decision to represent himself and whether prior motions should remain on the record.
Investigators continue to search for Cozzi's body and are pursuing the case as a homicide. Kosowski has pleaded not guilty.
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