Judge Joseph Bulone found Dr. Tomasz Kosowski guilty of first-degree murder in the disappearance of attorney Steven Cozzi, whose body has not been recovered. Prosecutors presented forensic and surveillance evidence, including Cozzi's blood in his office and in Kosowski's truck, and video they say shows Kosowski moving a heavy cart the day Cozzi vanished. Kosowski represented himself, denied the allegations and argued it would have been physically impossible to move the body. The case has moved into a penalty phase where the state is seeking the death penalty.
Florida Plastic Surgeon Convicted of Murder in Lawyer's Disappearance; Body Not Found
Florida plastic surgeon found guilty of murdering missing lawyer
Judge Joseph Bulone convicted Dr. Tomasz Kosowski of first-degree murder in the disappearance of attorney Steven Cozzi, whose body has not been recovered since he vanished from his Clearwater law office on March 21, 2023.
What Prosecutors Say
Prosecutors told the court Kosowski developed a "malicious and personal obsession" with Cozzi, who represented defendants in lawsuits involving the doctor, and they argued Kosowski planned the killing "methodically and systematically." Assistant State Attorney Nathan Vonderheide said the evidence showed Kosowski executed a premeditated plan that resulted in Cozzi's death.
Pool via ABC News - PHOTO: Dr. Tomasz Kosowski delivers his closing argument in his murder trial in Clearwater, Florida, Sept. 23, 2026.
Key Evidence Presented
Prosecutors pointed to forensic and surveillance evidence they say ties Kosowski to a violent event at Cozzi's office: blood identified as Cozzi's was found in the law office bathroom and later in Kosowski's truck. Surveillance footage, the prosecution said, shows Kosowski entering the office carrying a Gorilla cart box and leaving hours later with a "very heavy" wagon. Authorities allege the doctor disposed of Cozzi's body in a landfill.
"The overwhelming totality of the evidence in this case demonstrates that he had the obsession, and he prepared, and he had a plan, and he effectuated that plan, and murdered him on March 21, 2023," Assistant State Attorney Nathan Vonderheide said during his closing argument.
Defense and Trial Details
Kosowski represented himself at the seven-day bench trial, waiving his right to a jury and to counsel. He did not call witnesses or testify. In his closing, he disputed the prosecution's timeline and evidence, questioned whether Cozzi died on March 21 given alleged credit card transactions after that date, and argued it would have been physically impossible for him to lift and load Cozzi's roughly 190-pound body as the state contended. The judge denied a courtroom demonstration Kosowski requested during cross-examination.
Pool via ABC News - PHOTO: Assistant State Attorney Nathan Vonderheide delivers his closing argument in the murder trial of Dr. Tomasz Kosowski in Clearwater, Florida, Sept. 23, 2026.
Next Steps
The case immediately moved into the penalty phase. Kosowski again waived a jury and counsel for sentencing. The state is seeking the death penalty; Kosowski faces either capital punishment or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The judge will hear arguments about aggravating and mitigating factors before sentencing.
This is a developing story; updates may follow as the penalty phase proceeds.
Help us improve.
