Steve Cozzi Case: The Missing Florida Lawyer Whose Body Was Never Found

The Disappearance and Alleged Murder of Attorney Steven Cozzi: A Case Without a Body

When Florida attorney Steven "Steve" Cozzi went to work on March 21, 2023, there was little indication that anything was wrong.

Within hours, however, Cozzi had seemingly vanished.

His wallet, keys, and cellphone were left behind at his office. His phone was reportedly still playing music, and he appeared to have been interrupted while working.

But Steve Cozzi was nowhere to be found.

More than three years later, his body has still never been recovered.

Prosecutors believe Cozzi never actually left his workplace alive. They accuse plastic surgeon Dr. Tomasz Kosowski of killing the 41 year old attorney inside the office building before removing his body in a cart.

Kosowski has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.

And no, in September 2023, the extraordinary no body murder case has finally gone to trial.

Who Was Steven Cozi?

Steven Cozzi was an attorney working for Blanchard Law in Largo, Florida.

A graduate of Stetson University College of Law, Cozzi was remembered after his disappearance as a kind and positive presence within Florida's legal community.

At the time of his disappearance, Cozzi was involved in litigation connected to Kosowski.

Kosowski, a plastic surgeon, had filed a lawsuit against his former employer and others associated with the medical practice. Cozzi represented defendants involved in that litigation.

The relationship between Kosowski and Cozzi allegedly became increasingly hostile.

According to prosecutors, during a January 2023 deposition, Kosowski confronted Cozzi and called him a "scumbag" telling him that h would ultimately prevail in their legal dispute.

Two months later, Cozzi disappeared.

March 21, 2023: Steve Cozzi Disappears

On the morning of March 21, surveillance footage captured a gray Toyota Tundra arriving at the building housing Cozzi's law office at approximately 8:32 a.m.

A man entered the building shortly afterward.

Cozzi arrived only minutes later.

At approximately 10:22 a.m., surveillance footage captured a an leaving the building while pulling what appeared to be a heavily loaded cart.

Investigators say the an struggled to load the cart into the back of the Toyota Tundra.

But surveillance cameras never recorded Steve Cozzi leaving the building.

Even more disturbing was what investigators allegedly discovered inside.

Blood identified as Cozzi's was found in the bathroom area, including on the floor, paper towels, and in the drain.

Investigators also reportedly found a mixture of Kosowski's and Cozzi's blood on the outside of the bathroom door.

The Court Hearing Steve Never Attended

There was another strange detail in the timeline.

Cozzi and Kosowski were supposed to participate in a telephone court hearing at approximately 10:30 that morning.

Kosowski called into the hearing.

Cozzi did not.

By that point, prosecutors believe Cozzi was already dead.

His belongings remained inside the office, and he was reported missing later than afternoon.

The Search for Steve

Investigators began tracing Kosowski's movements.

Surveillance footage allegedly showed the Toyota Tundra traveling back toward Kosowski's home with a cart and a large red or orange covering visible in the truck bed.

Later that afternoon, Kosowski's red Toyota Corolla left his residence.

That night, a license plate reader captured the Corolla near Ochopee in South Florida, close to the Everglades.

Investigators have theorized that Cozzi's remains may have been disposed of somewhere in South Florida.

Despite extensive searches, however, Steve Cozzi's body has never been found.

The Evidence Against Tomasz Kosowski

Police arrested Kosowski several days after Cozzi disappeared.

According to court records, investigators uncovered an extraordinary collection of evidence.

Authorities say Cozzi's blood was found in connection with Kosowski's vehicle. Police also recovered a ballistic vest with blood on it, and fibers consistent with the red sweater were reportedly discovered on the vest.

Authorities additionally reported finding items including duct tape, masks, a Taser, brass knuckles, syringes and sedatives.

Police also discovered nearly $300,000 in cash.

Prosecutors argue that the evidence demonstrates that Cozzi did not voluntarily disappear and that his killing was planned.

Kosowski maintains his innocence.

A Murder Case Without a Body

Perhaps the most fascinating and difficult aspect of the Steve Cozzi case is the fact that prosecutors do not have his body.

A missing body does not prevent prosecutors from bringing a murder charge. Instead, they must convince the court through other evidence that the victim is dead and that the defendant caused the death.

In Cozzi's case,prosecutors have assembled surveillance footage, forensic evidence, DNA evidence, digital evidence, witness accounts, and Kosowski's alleged movements before and after the disappearance.

The defense can challenge both what happened to Cozzi and whether the evidence proves Kosowski was responsible beyond a reasonable doubt.

Where the Case Stands in September 2026

More than three years after Steve disappeared, Tomasz Kosowski's murder trial began September 14, 2026.

And there is an unusual twist.

Kosowski has chosen to represent himself.

He also waived his right to have a jury decide the case. Instead, Pinellas Circuit Judge Joseph Bulone will determine whether he is guilty.

Kosowski has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. If Kosowski is convicted of first degree murder, the judge will also determine whether he receives a death sentence or life imprisonment.

Steve Cozzi is More Than a Missing Person Case

It is easy for a case this unusual to become focused entirely on the accused-the surgeon, the strange evidence, the surveillance footage, the cart, the Everglades, and now the decision to represent himself in a death penalty trial.

But at the center of all of it is Steve Cozzi.

A 41 year old attorney went to work one morning and never came hom.

his love ones have spent more than three years without even having his remains returned to them.

Regardless of what ultimately happens in court, one enormous question remains unanswered:

Where is Steve Cozzi?

Until that question is answered, part of this case will remain unresolved.

Rest in Peace to the Deceased.

-Morticia