A Tampa, Florida plastic surgeon has been arrested and charged with murder after the lawyer representing the company he was suing disappeared under disturbing circumstances – and is presumed dead.
prosecutor Steven Cozzi (pictured above, right) went to work last Tuesday like any other day. But he didn’t come home at the end of the day – or again. Cozzi’s mother Lois toward WFLA:
“As a family we are in panic and worry as we fear the loss of Steven.”
At Largo Police toward Fox 13 This lawyer is reported to be missing – and almost immediately play this wrongdoing is suspected. Video surveillance confirmed that Cozzi never left the office, and that he left behind important personal items – such as his wallet, keys, cell phone, and car. It was as if he had vanished into thin air – and it didn’t suit the investigators.
Related: Dentist’s Wife Almost Solves Her Own Poisoning Murder
A forensics team working with local law enforcement investigated Cozzi’s practice and quickly identified a very strong chemical odor coming from the men’s bathroom. Maybe because someone tried to clean it? There were several drops of blood visible. But upon further inspection, police were shocked to find a “significant” amount of blood in the bathroom. Because of all the evidence left behind at the crime scene, they now have a lead and a big question: who was the last to see Steve Cozzi alive?
Investigators note the last car seen at the attorney’s office and quickly connect the dots Tomasz Roman Kosowski (above, left), a 44-year-old with a strong connection to Cozzi. When the police looked through two of the man’s history, they found Cozzi was representing Laufer Institute of Plastic Surgery in a new legal case – one brought by Kosowski. Hmm… very suspicious.
according to At Tampa Bay Times, Kosowski has slapped the company – former employer – with lawsuits for negligence, breach of contract, and fraudulent misrepresentation. On the very morning of Cozzi’s disappearance, the surgeon had filed a motion to compel testimony and a request for a final judgment in the case. They’re fighting a tough legal battle — and Cozzi is a lawyer on the other side. And then, after all, the lawyer suddenly disappeared?
Everything lined up very easily! So the LPD got a warrant to search the plastic surgeon’s house – and were able to gather enough evidence to arrest him and charge him with first-degree murder! Kosowski was stopped in traffic and taken into police custody where he remained. It’s unclear if Cozzi’s body has been found — law enforcement hasn’t revealed exactly what was found in his home — but it seems the lawyer’s family will also get some closure. And justice.
We’ll be sure to keep you updated as this case continues to develop…
[Image via YouTube/Fox 13 Tampa Bay/Pinellas County Sheriffs Office/Facebook/Steve Cozzi]