Florida Judge Convicts Self-Represented Surgeon in Attorney’s Disappearance

Key points

• Judge Joseph Bulone found Tomasz Kosowski guilty of first-degree murder on September 23, 2026, after a six-day bench trial in Pinellas County, Florida.
• Kosowski, 47, represented himself in the trial, waiving his right to a jury and declining legal counsel for the upcoming penalty phase.
• Prosecutors alleged Kosowski killed attorney Steven Cozzi in a law office bathroom on March 21, 2023, and transported the body to a dumpster in a remote area.
• Kosowski’s defense argued that the physical act of moving the body and disposing of it was impossible for one person to perform in the time frame alleged by the state.
• A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 8, where the judge will decide between life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

Background

This case follows a years-long civil dispute between Kosowski and Cozzi over medical billing. Kosowski had previously represented himself in civil litigation against his former colleagues, including Cozzi, in 2022. The murder trial began on September 14, 2026, more than three years after Cozzi’s disappearance. The case is part of a broader pattern of high-profile Florida murder trials involving self-representation and complex civil disputes, such as the recent conviction in the Microsoft manager’s road slaying.

How outlets are covering it

Fox News emphasized the gruesome details of the alleged crime, including Kosowski’s obsession with Cozzi and the disposal of the body in a dumpster. CNN highlighted the rarity of self-representation in capital cases, noting that it typically ends in unfavorable outcomes for the defendant. Fox 13 Tampa Bay focused on the procedural aspects of the trial, including Kosowski’s requests for physical demonstrations in the courtroom, which were denied by Judge Bulone. All three sources agreed on the verdict and the upcoming sentencing hearing but differed in their emphasis on the evidence and the defendant’s actions during the trial.

Why it matters

The case underscores the risks of self-representation in high-stakes criminal trials, particularly in capital cases. It also highlights the complexities of civil disputes escalating into violent crimes and the challenges of prosecuting cases where the victim’s body is never recovered. The outcome may influence future cases involving self-representation and the admissibility of physical evidence in murder trials.

What to watch

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 8, 2026, where Judge Joseph Bulone will decide whether Kosowski receives life in prison without parole or the death penalty. A court-appointed attorney will present mitigating evidence on Kosowski’s behalf, despite the defendant’s refusal to cooperate. The case may also face appeals if the defense challenges the verdict or the sentencing process.