“I WILL REPRESENT MYSELF AND HAVE NO JURY DECIDE MY FATE”!!! BELIEVE IT OR NOT, PROSECUTORS SAY A FLORIDA PLASTIC SURGEON ACCUSED OF FIRST-DEGREE MURDER WAIVED HIS RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL… AND NOW FACES A CAPITAL BENCH TRIAL WHERE THE STATE IS SEEKING THE DEATH PENALTY.
Tomasz Kosowski, 47, is a Florida plastic surgeon facing a charge of first-degree murder.
The charge is connected to the 2023 disappearance and presumed death of attorney Steven Cozzi.
Cozzi was 41 years old at the time he disappeared.
His body has never been found.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Kosowski.
Ahead of his trial, the defendant made two major legal decisions.
He plans to represent himself in court.
He also made the decision that he does not want a jury deciding his fate.
On Monday, Kosowski formally waived his right to a jury trial.
Judge Joseph Bulone will now determine whether Kosowski is guilty or not guilty.
Kosowski also waived a jury for any potential penalty phase in the proceedings.
In addition, he indicated that he does not want mitigating evidence presented on his behalf if he is convicted.
Cozzi had been representing a client who was involved in civil litigation with Kosowski.
On March 21, 2023, Cozzi was last seen entering his law office.
Surveillance footage showed an unidentified man entering the building three minutes before Cozzi arrived.
The unidentified man in the footage was wearing gloves.
He was also seen carrying a backpack and a large box.
William Campbell, indicted for murder after fatally shooting Alex Bennett over $20 weed, gets 5 years
Florida convict Brigette Williams was jailed for allegedly stealing an $800 security camera — which recorded her before she took it
Twist in case of Nazi-looted $288,000 painting found in Argentina home of fugitive official’s daughter
Then, less than two hours later, a similarly dressed person was captured leaving the scene.
That person was seen wearing different clothing.
The individual was struggling to pull a heavily loaded cart toward a Toyota Tundra.
Police later found that Toyota Tundra at Kosowski’s home.
Investigators said blood was discovered inside the truck.
Investigators said blood was also discovered on the garage floor.
Kosowski was arrested days later.
Authorities said another vehicle contained a ballistic vest with a substantial amount of blood.
Authorities said that same vehicle also contained masks and brass knuckles.
A stun gun and duct tape were found inside the vehicle as well.
Authorities said investigators also recovered IV sedatives and syringes from the vehicle.
But prosecutors allege Kosowski had visited Cozzi’s office multiple times before the disappearance without a legitimate reason.
Those previous visits allegedly included recording vehicles in the parking lot.
On another occasion, Kosowski allegedly hid inside a storage closet at the office.
Kosowski has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
He has not been convicted.
His bench trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 14.
The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
No Comments yet!