Tomasz Kosowski Represented Himself in Murder Trial
The defendant dismissed his public defender to face murder charges for the 2023 death of attorney Steven Cozzi.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Financial Crime
Tomasz Kosowski has chosen to represent himself in his ongoing murder trial after dismissing his public defender and waiving his right to a jury trial. He is accused of murdering Largo attorney Steven Cozzi in 2023.
Why it matters
The trial centers on the disappearance of Steven Cozzi, whose body remains missing, as prosecutors attempt to prove Kosowski disposed of the remains in Collier County. The case relies heavily on forensic and digital evidence gathered by investigators.
Kosowski cross-examined a DNA analyst and a blood-splatter expert as part of his defense. Evidence collection links two vehicles to the case alongside samples from a law office bathroom.
The players
Tomasz Kosowski
He is the defendant currently representing himself in court after being accused of murdering an attorney.
Steven Cozzi
He was a Largo attorney who disappeared in 2023 and is the alleged victim in this murder case.
The details
Prosecutors have presented cellphone data placing Kosowski at the law office during the disappearance, along with evidence of blood stains and the smell of bleach. Investigators allege Kosowski transported the remains from the Largo office to a dumpster in Collier County.
Timeline
The murder of Steven Cozzi allegedly took place in 2023.
The murder trial for Tomasz Kosowski continued through September 2026.
Legal Context
The choice to proceed without a public defender follows established legal precedents regarding the Sixth Amendment right to self-representation. Such cases present distinct challenges for the judicial system, particularly in high-stakes murder trials where forensic data serves as the primary evidence.
The trial's progression and the nature of the evidence presented are matters of local public concern in the Clearwater and Largo areas. Residents should monitor local court updates for information regarding trial outcomes and potential security protocols for future proceedings.
The takeaway
The case highlights the complex logistical and legal difficulties inherent when a defendant manages their own defense in a capital case. The absence of a body often shifts the burden of proof onto circumstantial digital and forensic evidence.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings, visit Financial Crime.
