Bench trial begins for former plastic surgeon accused of murdering Pinellas County attorney

A former plastic surgeon is facing a first-degree murder charge and potential death penalty in a high-profile local case where a judge will determine the verdict and sentence.

• •The trial for former plastic surgeon Tomasz Kosowski begins on Monday.
• •Kosowski is charged with first-degree murder in the 2023 death of Pinellas County attorney Steven Cozzi.
• •Kosowski waived his right to a jury trial, resulting in a bench trial where a judge will decide the outcome.
• •Kosowski waived his right to a jury trial for both the guilt and penalty phases.
• •Kosowski is expected to represent himself in court after parting ways with his most recent attorney a few months ago.
• •If convicted, Kosowski could face the death penalty.
• •Steven Cozzi disappeared in March 2023 from his law firm in Largo.
• •At the time of the disappearance, Kosowski was suing his former employer, and Cozzi was representing some of the defendants.
• •Investigators reported finding large amounts of blood in the office building bathroom and security footage showing a man moving a large box and cart.
• •Detectives believe Kosowski drove to the Everglades to dispose of Cozzi's body in a dumpster.