‘Murder Bag’ Evidence Grips Florida Surgeon’s Trial
CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Florida surgeon faces a murder trial over a missing attorney as prosecutors detail a chilling ‘murder bag,’ DNA evidence and an alleged office ambush.
A Florida plastic surgeon accused of killing an attorney inside his own law office is facing a closely watched murder trial, where prosecutors have presented evidence they say points to a calculated attack and an attempt to conceal the victim’s body.
Dr. Tomasz Kosowski, 47, is charged with first-degree murder in the disappearance and presumed death of attorney Steven Cozzi, 41, who vanished from his Largo, Florida, workplace on March 21, 2023.
Prosecutors allege Kosowski ambushed Cozzi in an office restroom, transported his body out of the building and later disposed of it in a dumpster. Investigators believe the remains ultimately ended up at a landfill near the Everglades.
A particularly disturbing piece of evidence is a black duffel bag prosecutors have described as a “murder bag.” Authorities say it contained an assortment of items, including masks, a Taser, brass knuckles, a crowbar and a paralytic drug.
Kosowski has pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence. He is representing himself in a bench trial, leaving his fate in the hands of a judge rather than a jury.
Prosecutors Detail Alleged ‘Murder Bag’
Investigators say the black duffel bag was among the items recovered during the investigation into Cozzi’s disappearance.
According to evidence described in court, the bag contained lighters, scissors, ski masks, a Guy Fawkes mask, a Taser, brass knuckles and a crowbar.
Authorities also reportedly found a syringe, a needle and a vial of succinylcholine, a paralytic drug labeled in a way that connected it to Kosowski’s plastic-surgery office.
Prosecutors have pointed to the collection of items as part of their broader argument that the killing was planned rather than spontaneous.
The alleged murder kit is one component of a case built around forensic evidence, surveillance footage, cellphone data and witness testimony.
Kosowski’s defense has the opportunity to challenge the prosecution’s evidence as the trial proceeds.
Attorney Steven Cozzi Vanished From His Office
Cozzi disappeared on March 21, 2023, after arriving at the Blanchard Law Firm in Largo.
The attorney had been involved in civil litigation connected to Kosowski, who allegedly blamed Cozzi for problems in the case and had demanded that he be removed as opposing counsel.
Prosecutors say the dispute provides important context for the alleged killing.
On the morning Cozzi disappeared, surveillance footage showed a man arriving at the office building carrying a large box. Investigators allege the man was Kosowski.
Cozzi was last seen entering the building. He never appeared for a scheduled teleconference, and a colleague later discovered blood in the office restroom.
Surveillance footage later showed a person leaving the building with a wagon covered by a reddish-orange blanket. Prosecutors allege the footage captures the removal of Cozzi’s body.
Investigators subsequently found blood in Kosowski’s truck and garage. Cozzi’s DNA was reportedly identified in those locations, according to court records presented in the case.
Authorities have not recovered Cozzi’s body, adding another layer of uncertainty to the prosecution’s case.
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