Plastic surgeon accused of murdering Largo attorney represents himself in court
LARGO, Fla. (WFLA) — A Pinellas County plastic surgeon accused of murdering a missing attorney represented himself in court, just 10 days before his trial is set to begin.
Tomasz Kosowski stood before a judge Thursday morning in an orange jail jumpsuit, asking to suppress evidence found during a search of his Toyota Corolla. Kosowski argued that Largo police searched the car without a valid warrant.
Entire legal team representing plastic surgeon on trial for Pinellas murder quits
'It was concluded that there was probable cause to search my Corolla,' Kosowski said during the hearing. 'And despite Largo Police Department not having a warrant at the time of the search, I believe that this ruling was in error.'
Kosowski was charged with the murder of attorney Steven Cozzi, who disappeared in March 2023. Investigators believe the killing stemmed from an ongoing legal dispute between the two men.
Prosecutors pushed back against Kosowski's claims, saying investigators had a valid warrant and were searching for more than just the items Kosowski mentioned.
'I think Dr. Kosowski is hung up on a wagon, a red blanket, and the body of Steven Cozzi,' Assistant State Attorney Nathan Vonderheide said. 'But in fact, as is evidenced in the warrant. There are a multitude of things being searched for inside the Corolla, not just that.'
The judge ultimately denied Kosowski's motion to suppress, stating the search did not violate his constitutional rights.
'They didn't find anything when they walked,' the judge said. 'So there was no Fourth Amendment violation. There's no exclusionary ruling because there's no fruit to the force of the treatment.'
Kosowski's previous defense team withdrew from the case last week due to an ethical conflict. When asked about hiring a new attorney, Kosowski said his mother is currently trying to help him find one.
His trial is scheduled to begin May 19. If convicted, Kosowski could face life in prison or the death penalty.
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