Former Regional Operations Manager, Thrive Pet Healthcare Stecher authenticated surveillance footage from the Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists property for both March 14 and March 21. March 14 The surveillance showed a gray truck arriving at the property in the morning and later leaving. The State also played footage from an interior oncology camera and additional exterior cameras to establish the vehicle’s presence and movements around the property. March 21 The surveillance established the following sequence: Approximately 8:32 a.m.: a gray truck enters the property. Approximately 8:34 a.m.: an individual walks toward Building B carrying a box on the shoulder. Approximately 8:37 a.m.: another individual wearing a red sweater enters Building B. Approximately 10:22 a.m.: an individual exits Building B while pulling or moving something that appears heavy. Approximately 11:04 a.m.: the individual is again shown moving the object. Approximately 11:16 a.m.: the gray Tundra leaves the property. Stecher testified that she did not recognize the individual shown moving the object.

Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists employee Henrichs provided the first trial testimony concerning the March 14 utility-closet encounter. She explained that the utility closet did not have a functioning exterior door handle at the time, allowing access to the area where electrical equipment and cleaning supplies were kept. March 14 Henrichs went to the utility closet to check the timer controlling the parking-lot lights following the daylight-saving time change. She testified that when she entered, she unexpectedly found a man standing inside. According to Henrichs: The man referred to a reported power outage or electrical problem. There was no apparent power outage. He was dressed casually rather than as an electrician. He wore a white surgical-style mask. She waited for him to leave and followed him toward the parking lot. She saw him enter a gray or silver Toyota Tundra. She believed the vehicle displayed a New Jersey plate. Henrichs then returned to the closet with other employees. She noticed a box that she had not previously seen there. Todd Tensley opened the box; Henrichs did not. Henrichs also testified that approximately a week earlier she had seen the same man looking through the windows of Blanchard Law before normal business hours. Identification Henrichs made an in-court identification of Kosowski as the man she said she saw both looking into the law office and inside the utility closet. March 21 Henrichs was also at work on March 21. She testified that she noticed the box being used to block access to the restroom and a strong bleach or chemical odor in the common area.

Office Manager, Ronati Bacher worked in the business directly across the atrium from Blanchard Law. On March 21, she arrived at approximately 8:45 a.m. and found her office unusually cold. The thermostat was not operating. Because employees had been told about the previous week’s utility-closet incident, Bacher testified that she intentionally announced loudly that she was going to the utility closet. While walking there, she passed an unfamiliar man in the hallway. Bacher found that the HVAC breaker serving her office had been switched off. She reset it without difficulty. The breaker did not trip again, and she testified that she had not experienced the same problem before or after that morning. At approximately 10:30 a.m., Bacher again entered the common area and noticed what she described as an unusually strong bleach odor. Police later showed her a sequential photo array. Bacher selected a photograph as resembling the man she had passed in the hallway. She testified that she later saw a news photograph following Kosowski’s arrest and believed it showed the same person. The photo array was admitted over Kosowski’s continuing objection.

Former owner of the gray Toyota Tundra Otto testified about Kosowski’s purchase of the truck that became central to the State’s surveillance evidence. The vehicle was a gray 2016 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. Otto testified that: He listed the vehicle on AutoTrader. Kosowski first contacted him in December 2022. Kosowski traveled from the Tampa Bay area to Parkland, Florida, to inspect the truck. On that first trip, Kosowski drove a red Toyota Corolla. Kosowski initially offered approximately $26,000, which Otto rejected. The parties later agreed to a sale price of $32,000. Kosowski returned on December 26 to take possession of the truck. He told Otto he planned to travel by bus to South Florida and then use a rideshare to Otto’s home so he could drive the Tundra back. Payment was made through four Bank of America transfers: $7,000, $9,000, $9,000 and $7,000. Otto testified that the truck did not have a license-plate flipping device when he sold it. He also testified that Kosowski placed a license plate on the truck before leaving. Otto photographed the vehicle because the plate was not his and he wanted a record of the transaction. The photograph showed plate 70A NQU. Otto said Kosowski told him that he did not intend to register the truck immediately because he planned to use it later for kayaking. Otto was also shown a purported bill of sale containing a signature for “Mark.” He testified that the signature did not resemble his and that he did not recall signing a bill of sale.

Several witnesses were called primarily to authenticate independent surveillance sources later used by investigators to reconstruct the Tundra’s route. Amber Locascio, Tarpon Springs Police Department school resource officer, authenticated school surveillance records. Charles King, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, authenticated bus-camera footage. The State reserved substantive publication of the footage for later testimony. Dominic Cosenza, former manager of Main Street Express Car Wash, authenticated surveillance from a business on Belcher Road. Robert Edwards, Pinellas County School Board school safety officer, authenticated footage showing a gray pickup traveling north on Belcher Road. Kevin Healy, a Tarpon Springs resident, authenticated home surveillance obtained by police while tracing the truck. Mark Zeberski, associated with the SeaScape condominium complex, authenticated surveillance showing a gray/silver Tundra traveling near the Tarpon Springs area. He testified that the system clock was approximately six minutes fast, making the actual time approximately 11:53 a.m. on March 21. He also observed something red or orange in the truck bed.

Largo Police Department | First Responding Officer Burr was dispatched at approximately 11:45 a.m. on March 21 for what was initially reported as a welfare check. She met Jake Blanchard and entered Cozzi’s office. Burr testified that the office appeared as though Cozzi had been actively working and expected to return: Computer screens remained on. One showed an email in progress. Court documents and paperwork were open. His phone remained plugged in and playing Pandora. His keys, wallet and lunch remained at the office. Burr then entered the communal men’s restroom. She described a strong bleach odor, disorder in the bathroom, discoloration on the wall, and red staining or apparent blood around the toilet, stall, and other areas. At that stage these were Burr’s scene observations, not laboratory conclusions regarding the substances. She secured the restroom, canvassed the remainder of the building, checked Cozzi’s vehicle, and confirmed that his wallet and payment cards remained at the office.

Largo Police Department | Homicide investigator in 2023 Hunt testified extensively about the early investigation and the effort to reconstruct the Tundra’s movements. At the law-office complex, Hunt observed a strong cleaning-product odor and several red or blood-like areas in the bathroom. He described a red swipe on the exterior door, droplets near the urinal and stall, staining on the toilet, and discoloration or damage to the wall. These were his observations at the scene; forensic testing of individual stains is a separate issue. Hunt and Detective Colin Bolton interviewed Blanchard, Montgomery and other witnesses and began collecting surveillance from surrounding businesses. Tracking the Tundra Hunt testified that investigators became interested in the gray Tundra because: A similar vehicle had been associated with the March 14 utility-closet incident. Surveillance showed a gray Tundra at the property on March 21. Surveillance showed an individual moving a wagon toward the truck. The Tundra left the property at approximately 11:16 a.m. with the wagon or other contents visible in the bed. Hunt obtained Circle K surveillance approximately one block north of the law office. The footage showed a PSTA bus traveling north followed shortly afterward by the gray Tundra. Investigators then obtained the bus footage and continued gathering surveillance farther north. Additional camera and license-plate-reader evidence was used to trace the truck toward Tarpon Springs and ultimately toward Kosowski’s residence. Continued Investigation Hunt also addressed later investigative steps, including: Follow-up at Cozzi and Montgomery’s home. Search warrants for Kosowski’s residence and vehicle. The March 25 stop of Kosowski’s red Corolla. Digital warrants and cellular records. The search of a Collier County landfill. Cozzi’s remains were not recovered.

Tarpon Springs Police Department Crawford testified about execution of the search warrant at Kosowski’s Tarpon Springs residence. Because the residence was within Tarpon Springs jurisdiction, Tarpon Springs officers were called to execute the warrant. Crawford testified that the warrant was served at approximately 11 p.m. Tarpon Springs directed the search, with Largo investigators and Pinellas County forensic personnel also present. His testimony was primarily directed toward jurisdiction, warrant execution and the roles of the participating agencies.

Largo Police Department Owens testified primarily about evidence collection and chain of custody. He collected: A buccal swab from Michael Montgomery. An Oral-B toothbrush head identified as belonging to Steven Cozzi. Both items were packaged, logged, and personally transported by Owens to the Pinellas County forensic laboratory for testing. Owens did not perform the DNA analysis himself. Owens also participated in the effort to locate surveillance of the Tundra and testified that investigators eventually tracked the truck back toward Kosowski’s Tarpon Springs residence.

Largo Police Department | Financial Crimes Wagoner testified about several different parts of the investigation. He initially participated in the effort to locate surveillance of the Tundra and later assisted while investigators waited for a search warrant for Kosowski’s residence. License Plate Reader Evidence Wagoner discussed license-plate-reader data associated with Kosowski’s red Corolla, including a hit on Tamiami Trail while the vehicle was traveling back toward the Tampa Bay area. The Motorola LPR business records were admitted over Kosowski’s continuing objection. Landfill Search Wagoner participated in the later search of a South Florida landfill. He testified that law enforcement spent several days sifting through a designated area using heavy equipment to separate compacted waste. No remains were recovered during that search. Amazon Records As a financial-crimes detective, Wagoner obtained and reviewed records associated with Amazon accounts linked to Kosowski. An initial Gmail-linked account did not contain relevant transactions. Investigators then identified a Yahoo-linked Amazon account. Wagoner testified that the account contained multiple names and addresses, including purchases associated with another individual, Theresa Bobo. Among the purchases Wagoner identified as relevant were: An electronic license-plate-related device. A blue folding Gorilla Cart shipped to the Tarpon Springs address. A red Gorilla Cart shipped to a Miami address. Five rolls of heavy-duty silver duct tape shipped to the Tarpon Springs address. The State also brought a blue Gorilla Cart into the courtroom as an exemplar. Wagoner testified that it was consistent with the model reflected in the Amazon records. The cart was admitted over Kosowski’s continuing suppression objection.

Largo Police Department Allred was assigned to the Crimes Against Persons unit in March 2023. He responded to 1501 South Belcher Road on March 21 while the case was initially being investigated as a missing-person case. Allred interviewed employees at neighboring businesses and helped search for surveillance footage. Video obtained from surrounding businesses became part of the effort to trace the gray Tundra toward Kosowski’s Tarpon Springs residence. Allred later assisted when investigators were preparing to execute the search warrant at 511 Seaview Drive. Police were concerned Kosowski might return after a license-plate reader detected his red Corolla traveling back toward the area. March 25 Corolla Stop After Tarpon Springs police stopped Kosowski’s red Corolla, Allred responded to the scene. The Corolla was sealed, placed on a flatbed and transported to the Pinellas County forensic processing facility. Allred followed the tow truck to maintain the chain of custody. He testified that forensic personnel located cash and succinylcholine chloride in the Corolla. Because Pinellas forensics did not take custody of currency or narcotics on behalf of Largo, those items were transferred to Allred. Allred counted the cash recovered from the vehicle: $282,120. He also identified the recovered succinylcholine chloride, a paralytic, along with a syringe and needle. Miami + Landfill Allred testified that investigators learned Kosowski had leased a Miami residence through review of jail calls. He later participated in the Collier County landfill search beginning April 2. Investigators used surveillance of the garbage truck associated with a dumpster of interest to identify an area of the landfill to excavate. Allred described the search as one of the most daunting tasks of his career. Crews searched from sunrise to sunset for several days through heavily compacted waste. Steven Cozzi’s remains were not recovered.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office | Forensic Science Specialist Briggs responded to 1501 South Belcher Road at approximately 4:30 p.m. on March 21. His primary assignment was documentation. He photographed the exterior and interior of the property and used an OSCR 360 camera system to create a 360-degree walkthrough of the scene. Briggs documented Blanchard Law, surrounding offices, hallways, the electrical room and other portions of the building. The bathroom was later processed by the evening forensic team. Cozzi’s Office and Vehicle Briggs photographed Cozzi’s office, including his personal belongings and items on his desk. He also documented Cozzi’s silver Honda HR-V in the parking lot. The vehicle was locked, and the keys were located on Cozzi’s desk. Briggs testified that he observed nothing remarkable about the vehicle suggesting it had been disturbed.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office | Forensic Science Copeland arrived at approximately 7:39 p.m. on March 21 and took over documentation and evidence collection in the electrical room and men’s restroom. She processed portions of the electrical room for fingerprints before moving into the restroom. Men’s Restroom Copeland documented possible shoe impressions in the hallway and restroom using side lighting. She testified to reddish staining on the exterior restroom door. A presumptive phenolphthalein test was positive for possible blood, and the area was swabbed. Inside the restroom, forensic personnel documented possible blood in numerous locations, including: The floor Toilet Walls Stall Urinal area Exterior restroom door Paper towels and napkins in the trash Copeland removed and examined the contents of the restroom trash can layer by layer. She testified that almost 400 paper towels/napkins were collected and packaged. Several appeared to contain blood, including three bloody napkins that were separately preserved and later submitted for laboratory testing. She also documented discoloration or apparent damage to portions of the restroom wall and numerous possible blood stains throughout the room.

Former Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Science Supervisor Clark arrived at approximately 11 p.m. on March 21 and relieved Ateka Sanford as scene supervisor. When Clark arrived, forensic specialists were still documenting possible shoe impressions and had not yet completed processing the men’s restroom. Clark supervised the overnight forensic work and entered the restroom herself, observing areas of discoloration and suspected blood. Her testimony also addressed evidence handling and the secure forensic property process used after items were collected.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office | Forensic Science SpecialistKnown as Nikki Webster in 2023 Bole participated in the March 23 search of Kosowski’s residence at 511 Seaview Drive in Tarpon Springs. She photographed the residence extensively, taking more than 1,000 photographs. Toyota Tundra A gray Toyota Tundra was located inside the garage. Bole documented the interior and exterior of the truck and photographed multiple areas in the bed and tailgate that appeared to contain possible blood. A wire was also documented running from inside the truck toward the rear/license-plate area. After processing, the truck was sealed before being towed. Residence Evidence Bole photographed documents containing Kosowski’s name and the Seaview address, as well as documents connecting him to a Miami address. She also documented: Syringes and needles in the laundry area Isopropyl alcohol in the residence A black Gorilla Cart with yellow trim in the garage Other items throughout the residence and garage Garage Luminol After the Tundra was removed, luminol was applied to the garage floor. Areas at the north end and near the middle/south garage bay illuminated. Bole collected swabs from those areas. Both tested presumptive positive for possible blood.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office | Forensic Science Supervisor Stropes was one of the initial forensic supervisors at 1501 South Belcher Road on March 21. She arrived at approximately 4:30 p.m., met with investigators and assigned tasks to forensic personnel processing the scene. Her later involvement included the forensic processing of the Toyota Tundra after it was transported from Kosowski’s residence. Stropes testified about swabs taken from areas including the driver’s floor mat, driver’s headrest and center-console areas that tested presumptive positive for possible blood.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office | Forensic Science Specialist Zuchetto participated in the March 23 search of the Seaview residence. Tundra Tailgate She collected a swab from an area on the interior of the Tundra’s tailgate. The swab tested presumptive positive for possible blood and was later submitted for additional laboratory testing. Zuchetto also completed an OSCR 360 walkthrough of the residence. Items at Seaview Among the items she documented or collected were: EMS and sheriff-style patches Cleaning/disinfectant products containing isopropanol A black bag containing gun-related items and other possible weapons Eleven license plates from several different states Zuchetto testified that she did not locate a New Jersey plate among the eleven. She also photographed the garage before and after luminol was applied. Areas where the Tundra had been parked and an area near the center of the garage showed chemiluminescence.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office | Forensic Science Supervisor Sanford responded to Blanchard Law during the evening of March 21 and took over supervision of the forensic scene before later being relieved by Robin Clark. She returned to the investigation on March 25 to assist with processing Kosowski’s red Toyota Corolla. Corolla Luminol Ashley Luth photographed the Corolla and applied luminol to areas including the passenger compartment and trunk. Sanford testified that areas of the front passenger seat and several areas of the trunk illuminated. She collected swabs from: Front passenger seat back Front passenger seat cushion Driver’s seat cushion Rear wall of the trunk Trunk floor Passenger side of trunk lid Driver side of trunk lid The swab from the rear interior wall of the trunk tested presumptive positive for possible blood. The rear-wall swab and a swab from the driver side of the trunk lid were among the items later submitted to the forensic laboratory.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office | Assistant Forensic Science SupervisorAshley Levesque in 2023 Luth had extensive involvement in both the original Blanchard Law scene and the later processing of Kosowski’s Corolla. Blanchard Law She created OSCR 360 documentation of the electrical room and both restrooms and assisted with evidence collection from the men’s restroom. Red Toyota Corolla Luth photographed and processed the Corolla after it was transported to the forensic garage. The State spent substantial time walking through the contents of the vehicle. Among the items documented or recovered were: Two ballistic vests, including one marked EMS Areas on the vests testing presumptive positive for blood Red fibers and possible white hairs in the trunk Approximately $282,000 in cash A foldable bicycle Gas container Firearm Black and light-colored masks Ski-style masks Black hat Binoculars Succinylcholine and a syringe/needle Checkbooks and personal documents GPS equipment, including a tracker in a magnetic box Tasers Brass knuckles Duct tape Law-enforcement-style patches A license-plate flipping device and its remote Investigators also removed the trunk mat and found large black trash bags stored in the spare-tire well. Luth photographed and collected many of these items and explained the evidence packaging and chain-of-custody process. Kosowski objected when the State questioned Luth about the capacity of the trash bags after suggesting they might be large enough to conceal a body. Judge Bulone noted that Luth had said she did not know their capacity and directed the State to move on.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office | Forensic Science Specialist Hook returned to 1501 South Belcher Road on the morning of March 22 to continue processing the men’s restroom. She processed portions of the restroom for fingerprints and photographed shoe impressions. Hook also collected DNA swabs from items including a Drano bottle and a Softsoap bottle. She swabbed an area of possible blood on the stall floor. That sample tested presumptive positive for blood. Hook also photographed the restroom after luminol was applied.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office | K9 Unit / Human Remains Detection Deputy Simons has worked in K9 for approximately 21 years. In March 2023, his partner was Connor, a Belgian Malinois trained in tracking and human-remains detection. Simons explained that Connor trained using actual human remains supplied through medical examiner offices, along with animal remains and other distractor odors. Connor’s trained final response to detecting human remains was to sit. Near the end of March 2023, Simons and Connor were asked to assist Largo investigators in the search for Steven Cozzi near Monroe Station along the Tamiami Trail. The search area included open fields, brush, construction equipment and dumpsters. During the search: Connor repeatedly returned to a green Waste Management dumpster. Simons allowed Connor to work the dumpster. Connor jumped against it and then sat, which Simons identified as Connor’s trained final response for human remains odor. No remains were found at the dumpster. Simons was later called to the Collier County landfill where investigators believed the dumpster’s contents had been taken. He described a landfill search as particularly difficult for a human-remains K9 because of decomposing organic material, animal remains, bodily fluids, medical waste, heat, heavy machinery and the sheer volume of competing odors. Simons and Connor searched the landfill multiple times but did not locate Cozzi’s remains. Cross-Examination: None.

FBI | Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST) Special Agent Kevin Corrigan testified as an expert in cellular analysis. Corrigan explained three types of cellular records used in his analysis: Call-detail records Data-session records Timing-advance records Timing-advance data can provide both the cell sector and an estimated distance between a device and a cell site. Corrigan said these records can be generated even when the user is not actively using the phone, so long as the device remains powered on and connected to the cellular network. T-Mobile records for Kosowski’s phone were admitted as State’s Exhibits 110 and 111. Corrigan’s mapping report was admitted as State’s Exhibit 112. March 21, 2023 Corrigan testified that the records were consistent with the following movement: 7:52 a.m. - Phone at or very near Kosowski’s Tarpon Springs residence. 7:53–8:08 a.m. - Movement away from the residence in the direction of the Blanchard Law Firm. 8:08–10:24 a.m. - No call, data or timing-advance records for approximately two hours and 16 minutes. Corrigan said this was consistent with the phone being turned off. 10:24–11:03 a.m. - Phone location consistent with the Blanchard Law Firm. Surveillance evidence supplied to Corrigan showed the target vehicle arriving around 10:22 a.m. 11:03 a.m. - Phone records stop again for approximately 59 minutes. Surveillance showed the target vehicle leaving the law-firm area around 11:16 a.m. 12:02 p.m. - Phone records resume near Kosowski’s Tarpon Springs residence. The phone remained in that general area until late afternoon. Beginning around 4:56 p.m., the records showed travel south through Pinellas County. At approximately 5:46 p.m., the phone was again in the general area of the Blanchard Law Firm. The phone then traveled south through Sarasota and Fort Myers and east along the Tamiami Trail. Around 9:33–9:34 p.m., the records placed the device in the area of the dumpster near Loop Road. A license-plate reader approximately four miles east recorded the vehicle associated with Kosowski around 9:36 p.m. The phone ultimately arrived in the vicinity of the Miami residence around 10:50 p.m. March 23, 2023 Corrigan testified that two days later the phone again traveled west from Miami along the Tamiami Trail toward the dumpster area. The phone passed the nearby license-plate reader, approached the dumpster area, then reversed direction and returned east toward Miami. Cross-Examination Kosowski’s cross was brief and focused on the March 21 stop near the dumpster. He asked whether the timing-advance records were consistent with the device actually stopping there. Corrigan said yes. Asked how long, Corrigan estimated the records were consistent with the device remaining in the area for approximately one minute. No redirect.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office | Latent Print Examiner Nicole Hadley has worked as a latent print examiner since 2012 and has been certified through the International Association for Identification since 2015. Hadley was not the original examiner in 2023. She became involved in December 2024 after being directed to obtain a more complete set of Kosowski’s fingerprints and palm prints. She took what she described as “major case prints” from Kosowski and compared them against unresolved latent prints from the investigation, as well as a print previously identified in the case. Hadley testified that PCSO Item 48, which was already in evidence as State’s Exhibit 99, was identified to Kosowski after comparison with the prints she personally obtained from him. She walked through the ridge-flow, bifurcations, ridge endings and other features she used to reach that conclusion. Cross-Examination Kosowski asked one question: Who lifted Item 48? Hadley testified that, to her knowledge, Sandra-Leigh Copeland collected the latent print. No redirect.

Forensic DNA Analyst | Former DNA Technical Leader, Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory Chad Summerfield currently works through Florida International University’s National Forensic Science Technology Center. Before that, he spent approximately 17 years with the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory, where he served as DNA Technical Leader and helped establish the laboratory’s DNA section. He previously worked in the Philadelphia Police Department DNA laboratory. Summerfield explained serology, presumptive blood testing, DNA extraction, quantitation, amplification, DNA mixtures and likelihood ratios before walking through testing performed in this case. Reference DNA Investigators submitted: Michael Montgomery’s buccal swab A toothbrush represented to belong to Steven Cozzi Kosowski’s buccal swab Because Cozzi was missing and no direct known sample could be obtained from him, the laboratory developed a DNA profile from his toothbrush and used that profile for comparisons. Toyota Tundra - Tailgate A swab from the interior tailgate produced a male DNA profile. Michael Montgomery was excluded. Summerfield testified the profile was approximately 380 septillion times more likely if it originated from the Cozzi toothbrush profile than from an unknown unrelated individual. He described that as very strong support, the highest category on the verbal scale used by the laboratory. Kosowski Residence - Garage Floor A swab from the middle of the garage floor produced a mixture from two contributors, at least one male. The mixture proportions were approximately: 54% - Cozzi reference profile 46% - Kosowski reference profile Summerfield testified the statistical analysis provided very strong support for both Cozzi and Kosowski as contributors to the mixture. A separate garage-floor sample did not indicate blood and was not carried forward for DNA analysis. Men’s Bathroom Summerfield reviewed multiple samples from the bathroom. Among the results: A floor-drain sample provided very strong support for Cozzi as the contributor. Kosowski was excluded. A sample from the top of the toilet tank did not contain enough DNA for a comparison. A swab from bathroom-floor photo marker 8 produced no DNA profile. A swab associated with another latent-photo area also produced no DNA profile. Several additional bathroom samples supported Cozzi as a contributor while excluding Kosowski. Other mixed samples associated with the area outside the bathroom, including paper-towel evidence, produced statistical support for both Cozzi and Kosowski as contributors. Dumpster An interior swab from the dumpster did not produce a DNA profile. Corolla / Trunk Evidence Several samples from the Corolla trunk produced mixed DNA results. Summerfield explained that some earlier results had later been re-reported using FBI-recommended likelihood-ratio language. The underlying DNA data had not changed; the reporting terminology had. One trunk-lid mixture was approximately 430 times more likely under a proposition including Kosowski and an unknown contributor than under a proposition involving two unknown contributors. Ballistic Vests The EMS ballistic vest did not indicate blood and was not taken forward for DNA testing. The black ballistic vest did indicate blood and produced a male DNA profile. Summerfield testified that the profile was approximately 100 septillion times more likely if it originated from the Cozzi toothbrush reference than from an unknown unrelated person. He described that as very strong support for Cozzi as the contributor. Kosowski was excluded from that DNA profile. Cross-Examination Kosowski focused heavily on where his DNA was — and was not — found. He questioned Summerfield about the many bathroom samples that either excluded Kosowski or produced no usable DNA profile. He also challenged changes in the laboratory’s reporting language after updated FBI recommendations, emphasizing the difference between low likelihood ratios and extremely large ones. Summerfield testified that the underlying DNA data did not change; what changed in some reports was the terminology used to characterize the statistical support. Kosowski repeatedly pushed Summerfield on whether he could say, with absolute certainty, that Kosowski’s DNA was present on mixed samples. Summerfield declined to use language such as “without a shadow of a doubt.” He said his role was to report the statistical result and the corresponding level of support.

Waste Management | Front-Load Driver George Villanti has worked for Waste Management in Collier County since 2017. In March 2023, he drove a regular front-load garbage route. His Thursday route included the dumpster at the former Monroe Station property near US 41/Tamiami Trail and Loop Road. The court took judicial notice that March 23, 2023 was a Thursday. Villanti testified that he collected that dumpster between approximately 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Normally, he saw ordinary household-type trash there, typically in white kitchen garbage bags. March 23 was different. Villanti testified that: He saw large black construction-style garbage bags. Video from his truck showed some of the bags appearing unusually heavy as they fell into the hopper. After dumping the container, he noticed an extremely strong odor. He was accustomed to garbage, including dead animals, but said this odor was different. He repeatedly compacted the load in an attempt to bury the material and reduce the smell. The odor remained with him throughout the day despite the compaction. Villanti explained that his truck’s compactor may operate more than 200 times during a normal day. The truck video and photographs from the March 23 pickup were admitted as State’s Exhibit 117. Villanti ultimately transported his route’s garbage to the Collier County landfill. Earlier Red Corolla Villanti also recalled a previous Thursday, approximately one or two weeks before March 23, when an unattended red Toyota Corolla was parked near the Monroe Station dumpster in a way that interfered with his normal approach to the container. He could not give an exact date. Cross-Examination: None.

Collier County Sheriff’s Office | Senior Crime Scene Investigator Alicia Craig has worked for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office for approximately 21 years and currently serves as a senior crime scene investigator. She responded to the Monroe Station area on March 31, 2023, after Largo Police requested assistance processing the dumpster and surrounding area. Craig arrived at approximately 11:08 a.m. She observed multiple agencies at the scene, including Collier County deputies, Largo Police and park personnel. Craig was also present when K9 Connor alerted on the dumpster. Processing the Dumpster By March 31, the dumpster again contained ordinary-looking garbage. Craig testified that: She did not notice the unusual odor Villanti described from March 23. The dumpster contained normal trash and some construction debris. She personally removed the contents and turned them over to Largo detectives. None of the bags she removed stood out as unusually heavy. Investigators measured and photographed the dumpster, including its side doors. The doors could be opened without a keyed lock. A presumptive blood test was used during processing. Investigators later learned that the dumpster had been serviced again after the relevant March 23 pickup. No human remains were recovered from the dumpster. Collier County Landfill Search The next morning, Craig joined the landfill search. Waste Management identified an approximately 50-foot by 50-foot area, about 17 feet deep, where investigators believed garbage from the relevant route had been deposited. The search continued for three days: April 1, April 2 and April 3. Craig described: Multiple law-enforcement and fire-rescue agencies participating. Heavy equipment excavating layers of compacted garbage. Investigators manually searching the material after it was removed. Extreme heat as buried waste was exposed. More than 1,200 photographs documenting the dumpster and landfill operation. Bones or suspected remains being photographed, collected and transported to the medical examiner for evaluation. Items initially suspected of possibly being human remains were determined not to be human. Steven Cozzi’s remains were not recovered. Cross-Examination: None.

Waste Management | Landfill Operations Rick Kules worked in management at the Collier County landfill in March 2023 and assisted law enforcement during the search. He explained how incoming municipal waste is handled. Trucks are directed to a designated working area and unload throughout the day. Bulldozers spread the garbage, generally in approximately 12-inch layers, before large landfill compactors repeatedly drive over it. Kules testified that one of the compactors used at the landfill weighed approximately 90,000 pounds. His description of the process was simple: Waste is repeatedly driven over and compacted until individual items can no longer easily be distinguished. At the end of the day, the working area must be covered with material such as soil, mulch or an approved alternative daily cover. Recovery Operation Kules helped identify the area where the March 23 waste would likely have been deposited and personally operated an excavator during the recovery effort. Investigators excavated the landfill, spread material into smaller sections and searched through it. Items that drew particular attention, including black bags and clothing, were separated for closer inspection. The search also required investigators to remove layers of daily cover that had accumulated since the garbage was originally deposited. Cross-Examination: None.

After the lunch break, Kosowski moved to strike the DNA testimony given by Chad Summerfield on Day 4. Kosowski argued that Summerfield had relied on output generated by computer software and standardized statistical language rather than providing an independent interpretation that Kosowski could meaningfully challenge through cross. The State opposed the motion. The State argued Summerfield: Personally performed the DNA analysis. Authored the reports. Had testified extensively about his qualifications and methodology. Used tools and standardized reporting procedures routinely used within forensic DNA analysis, including by the FBI. The court denied the motion to strike. The judge told Kosowski he remained free to challenge Summerfield’s conclusions in closing argument or call a witness to challenge those conclusions.

Former Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory Serologist Desiree Beecher formerly worked at the Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory and is now attending medical school. At the laboratory, she worked first as a DNA technician and later as a forensic serologist. Beecher explained that her role was to test evidence for bodily fluids, primarily blood in this case, and prepare samples for later DNA analysis. She performed presumptive blood testing. Beecher emphasized that the Pinellas County laboratory did not perform a separate confirmatory test establishing that a substance was definitively blood. Positive presumptive samples could then be forwarded for DNA analysis. Testing Process Beecher primarily used phenolphthalein testing. For some items where the color of the evidence interfered with that test, she used another color-change test, TMB. She also described precautions designed to prevent cross-contamination, including: Changing gloves between evidence items. Changing the paper covering the work surface. Cutting swabs or stained portions of evidence into separate tubes for DNA processing. Beecher prepared the reference samples and evidence later analyzed by Chad Summerfield. Selected Serology Results Among the items Beecher discussed: Toyota Tundra Interior tailgate swab: blood indicated Kosowski Garage Middle garage sample #2: blood indicated Several other garage-floor swabs: blood not indicated Men’s Bathroom Floor drain: blood indicated Floor at photo marker 10: blood indicated Napkin/paper-towel sample 28C: blood indicated Latent-photo area #2: blood indicated Some extremely small stains were preserved for DNA testing without first consuming material for serology. Dumpster Interior dumpster swab: blood not indicated Corolla Interior trunk-lid swabs: blood not indicated Interior trunk back-wall swabs: blood not indicated Driver-side front floorboard: blood not indicated Beecher explained that samples could still be preserved and submitted to the DNA analyst even when presumptive blood testing was negative. Cross-Examination: None.

Largo Police Department | Cyber Crimes / Digital Forensics Detective Lance Moore has been with Largo Police for more than 22 years and has worked in cyber crimes since 2020. His training includes digital forensics, mobile-device examinations, cellular technology and multiple forensic-analysis platforms. Moore became involved in the Cozzi investigation at approximately 4:30 p.m. on March 21, 2023, when he responded to the Blanchard Law Firm. His initial assignment was surveillance video. Moore later became heavily involved in the digital side of the investigation. Tracking the Tundra Moore testified that investigators used surveillance from several locations to trace the gray Toyota Tundra north from the law firm toward Tarpon Springs. By March 23, surveillance had led investigators to the area of Kosowski’s residence at 511 Seaview Drive. Moore was present while other agencies executed the residential search warrant. Phone Records, Warrants & Device Extractions Moore obtained or participated in obtaining court authorization for several sources of digital evidence, including: T-Mobile cellular records Kosowski’s iPhone A Tracfone found in the Corolla Kosowski’s iCloud account A body/DNA warrant after Kosowski was detained The iPhone was initially locked. Investigators were able to obtain the passcode to the Tracfone through forensic extraction. Moore testified that the same passcode also unlocked the iPhone, allowing him to perform a full file-system extraction. He analyzed the extracted data using several forensic programs and compared results across tools. The iCloud records and iPhone extraction were then combined with surveillance video, cellphone records, license-plate readers and other evidence to create a detailed timeline. Digital Evidence Before March 21 Moore presented an extensive PowerPoint organizing digital evidence chronologically. February 10 - Gorilla Cart Research iCloud web history showed visits to pages for Gorilla Carts, including listings on Amazon, Walmart and Home Depot. A Gorilla Cart was later found at Kosowski’s residence. February 23 - License Plate Flippers Moore testified that iCloud records showed searches and shopping activity involving: Motorized license-plate flippers Electric license-plate holders Remote-controlled plate devices Investigators later documented plate-changing/obscuring devices on vehicles associated with Kosowski. March 2 - Research Concerning Cozzi & Montgomery The digital history included searches involving: Pinellas County property records Steven Cozzi Michael Montgomery Their wedding The Whitney Way residence People-search and mapping websites Moore testified about those entries as part of the digital history recovered from the iCloud account. March 17 - Blanchard Law Wi-Fi Moore identified a connection to the Blanchard Law Guest Wi-Fi network from approximately 4:30 to 4:33 p.m. Cellular data also placed the device in the area. March 20 - Succinylcholine Searches Moore testified that iPhone and iCloud data showed active Firefox use beginning shortly after 3:00 a.m. on March 20, the morning before Cozzi disappeared. The recovered history included searches or pages concerning: Succinylcholine and its mechanism of action The “right dose” of succinylcholine Duration of action Intramuscular administration Possible dangers of intramuscular succinylcholine Time course of action The activity occurred within a period when Moore testified the phone showed active user interaction. March 21 Digital Timeline Moore then combined device artifacts, surveillance and cellular records into a timeline for the day Cozzi disappeared. Among the events he highlighted: ~7:51 a.m. - Surveillance showed the Tundra leaving the Seaview residence. 8:08 a.m. - iPhone artifacts showed a power-off event. ~10:22 a.m. - Surveillance showed activity at the Blanchard Law Firm. ~10:24 a.m. - iPhone powered back on. ~10:27–10:28 a.m. - Kosowski’s phone connected to the scheduled court teleconference. The call lasted approximately 35 minutes and 46 seconds. 11:03 a.m. - Another iPhone power-off event. Surveillance then showed the cart/wagon being repositioned and the Tundra leaving the law-firm area. 12:02 p.m. - iPhone powered back on after the Tundra returned to the Tarpon Springs area. 12:03–4:48 p.m. - Device connected to Wi-Fi at the residence. ~4:51 p.m. - Surveillance showed the red Corolla leaving. Later records showed the Corolla traveling south toward South Florida. Loop Road Later that evening: 9:15 p.m. - License-plate data captured the Corolla near Florida 29 and US 41. ~9:34 p.m. - Timing-advance data placed the phone in the area of US 41 and Loop Road. 9:36 p.m. - A license-plate reader captured the Corolla traveling east on Tamiami Trail. Moore initially estimated from the combined records that the device may have remained near the Loop Road area for approximately one to three minutes. The records then showed travel east toward Miami. March 23 Return Toward Loop Road Moore testified that on March 23, the device left the Miami-area residence and traveled west along the Tamiami Trail. The timing data showed the device reaching the Loop Road area before reversing course and returning to Miami. This was the same date Waste Management had emptied the Monroe Station dumpster earlier that morning. Moore testified that when investigators later received the more detailed timing-advance data, this second trip stood out. On March 30, he and another investigator traveled to the location. They found the former Monroe Station property, Loop Road, the parking area and the dumpster. That discovery led to the later K9 search and landfill operation. March 25 Moore also presented searches from March 25 involving: “Largo Police Department” Searches concerning Largo Police warrants Later that afternoon, at approximately 3:19 p.m., Tarpon Springs police stopped Kosowski’s Corolla. Cross-Examination of Detective Moore Kosowski’s cross focused primarily on two areas. “Device Locked” Data Kosowski questioned Moore about entries showing the iPhone in a locked state from approximately 4:40 to 5:02 p.m. on March 21. Moore agreed: A “locked” phone means the device is not actively being used. It does not mean the phone itself is stationary. Moving outside Wi-Fi range does not cause the phone to unlock. Unlocking generally requires user interaction such as Face ID or entering a passcode. Loop Road Timing Kosowski then challenged Moore’s estimate that the device may have stopped near Loop Road for one to three minutes. He compared: The approximately 9:34 p.m. timing-advance location near Loop Road The 9:36 p.m. license-plate-reader capture several miles east Kosowski argued that the travel time could be consistent with simply driving through the area at highway speed rather than stopping. Moore acknowledged that: The timing-advance locations are approximate. The license-plate reader is a known fixed data point. He did not know Kosowski’s actual driving speed. The one-to-three-minute stop was his approximation from the available data. The court sustained an objection after the questioning became argumentative. Redirect On redirect, Moore clarified that a phone can remain locked while still maintaining or automatically reconnecting to a previously known Wi-Fi network.

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office | Forensic Science Specialist Ashley Luth was recalled briefly to introduce an additional piece of evidence that had not been formally introduced during her earlier testimony. State’s Exhibit 118 / Laboratory Item 35 was identified as a possible-blood swab from the north wall of the men’s bathroom at 1501 South Belcher Road. Luth identified the evidence packaging through her signature, payroll number and initials. The exhibit was admitted without objection. Cross-Examination: None.

Steven Cozzi’s Mother Lois Cozzi testified that Steven was her son and that they remained close after he moved away from home. She generally communicated with him every few days by phone or text, and the family typically spent holidays together. She also testified that Steven’s husband, Michael Montgomery, was included in family events and that she helped plan Steven and Michael’s wedding. Lois testified that she has not seen or heard from Steven since March 21, 2023. There have been: No phone calls No text messages No mail or postcards No other communication from him Cross-Examination: None.

Steven Cozzi’s Father George Cozzi testified that Steven is his son. He likewise testified that he has: Not seen Steven since March 21, 2023 Not received a phone call from him Not received a text from him Not received mail from him Cross-Examination: None.

Largo Police Department | Lead Investigator in 2023 Colin Bolton was a detective assigned to Largo Police’s Crimes Against Persons unit in March 2023 and became the lead investigator in Steven Cozzi’s disappearance. He currently serves as Largo Police’s accreditation manager. March 21 - Missing Person Investigation Bolton arrived at the Blanchard Law Firm at approximately 1:50 p.m. on March 21. By that point: Hospitals had been checked. Nearby surveillance was being reviewed. Cozzi had not been located. Inside the men’s bathroom, Bolton described seeing: Dark dried material he believed was consistent with blood Paper-towel and toilet-paper debris Droplets on the stall wall near the urinal Areas where paint appeared chemically altered Dark material across portions of the floor A strong smell of cleaning chemicals or bleach He also searched vacant offices and other areas of the building. Cozzi was not found. Surveillance Timeline Bolton reviewed the building surveillance and identified several important times: ~8:32 a.m. - Gray Toyota Tundra arrives. ~8:34 a.m. - A man in a white shirt carrying a backpack and box enters the building. ~8:37 a.m. - Cozzi, identified by his red sweatshirt, enters the building. Cozzi is not seen leaving. ~10:22 a.m. - A male is seen pulling a dark wagon with a red covering toward the Tundra. ~11:16 a.m. - The Tundra leaves the parking lot. Bolton also interviewed Michael Montgomery, who he described as cooperative. March 23 - Search of 511 Seaview Drive Bolton and Detective Hunt first attempted a consensual knock-and-talk at Kosowski’s Tarpon Springs residence. Kosowski was not there. Bolton later authored the search warrant for the residence, which he testified was signed at approximately 11:00 p.m. on March 23. Tarpon Springs Police served the warrant because the residence was within its jurisdiction. When the garage was opened, investigators found the gray Toyota Tundra. Bolton testified that: The New Jersey license plate seen earlier on the Tundra was no longer attached. That New Jersey plate was never recovered. Multiple other license plates were located. Some of those plates did not belong to Kosowski. A license-plate rotating device was attached to the Tundra. Forensic testing produced presumptive-positive indications on portions of the truck. A black-and-yellow Gorilla Cart was found in the garage, but investigators determined it was not the cart seen in the surveillance footage. After the Tundra was removed, luminol produced immediate luminescence on portions of the garage floor. Cozzi was not located at the residence. March 24–25 - Search for Kosowski On March 24, investigators traveled to the Miami area looking for Kosowski and his red Toyota Corolla. They were unsuccessful, and a BOLO was issued. On March 25, Tarpon Springs Police stopped Kosowski in the Corolla near Orange Street. Detective Hunt obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. The Corolla was initially processed at the scene and then transported to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office evidence-processing bay. Body Warrant While Kosowski remained detained in the back of a police cruiser, Detective Lance Moore worked to obtain a warrant to process Kosowski’s body. Bolton clarified the timing: The body warrant was served late March 25 into the early morning hours of March 26 at the Tarpon Springs Police Department. Deputy Spicer read the warrant. Forensic specialist Sandra-Leigh King performed the processing, which included: Photographs Buccal DNA sample Other evidence collection from Kosowski’s person Bolton then arrested Kosowski for Cozzi’s murder. Miami Residence Investigators later reviewed a jail call between Kosowski and his mother. Bolton testified that Kosowski briefly spoke Polish and mentioned a landlord named Matthew Mackle. A Polish-speaking officer assisted investigators in interpreting the conversation, which helped identify a Miami residence. Miami-Dade authorities obtained the search warrant. At that residence, investigators found: Kosowski’s two dachshunds Another Gorilla Cart, this one red Very little ordinary household furniture or property The red cart was photographed but not seized because investigators determined it was not the cart seen in the Tundra footage. Cozzi was not found. Kendall Surgery Center & Succinylcholine Investigators also examined Kosowski’s employment and surgical schedule in Miami. Bolton testified that records showed Kosowski performed surgeries on March 22 and March 23. He generally preferred performing surgeries on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. At the Kendall Surgery Center, investigators observed succinylcholine chloride stored in an unlocked refrigerator in a common back-room area. Loop Road, Dumpster & Landfill Bolton testified that cellphone-location information eventually led investigators to the Loop Road area off the Tamiami Trail. He arrived there on the morning of March 31. He described the area as: Remote Dark at night Surrounded by swamp and vegetation Without visible surveillance cameras Multiple agencies participated in searching the surrounding area. The Monroe Station dumpster drew particular attention because it was set back from the main road, had low side access and was regularly emptied. Bolton testified that he recalled a presumptive-positive indication for possible blood from the bottom of the dumpster. That testimony should be distinguished from Desiree Beecher’s later laboratory serology testimony: the submitted interior-dumpster swab she tested did not indicate blood. Investigators learned that the dumpster had been emptied on March 23. After reviewing Waste Management truck video, investigators traced that load to the Collier County landfill. Bolton participated in the landfill search. Cozzi’s remains were not recovered. DNA Testing & Financial Investigation Bolton was responsible for deciding which evidence samples would be submitted for serology and DNA analysis. The case generated more potential samples than the laboratory’s ordinary submission limits. Bolton testified that investigators met with laboratory personnel and obtained permission to submit additional samples over the following months and years, although not every collected swab could be tested. He also began obtaining Cozzi’s financial records. Bolton testified that he subpoenaed the institutions appearing on Cozzi’s credit report, including accounts that were inactive. As of his Day 6 testimony, Bolton said he had received no information indicating that Cozzi is alive. Cross-Examination Kosowski first established that surveillance footage did not visually identify him as: The person seen in several exterior surveillance videos The driver of the Tundra The driver of the Corolla Bolton agreed. Kosowski also asked whether investigators had recovered or observed a ramp that could have been used to load the Gorilla Cart into the Tundra. Bolton was not aware of one. Bolton States His Investigative Theory Kosowski then asked Bolton to explain his theory of the case. Bolton testified that he believes: The individual associated with the Tundra entered the building and remained near the back portion of the property. Cozzi entered the men’s bathroom. Cozzi was followed inside. A significant bloodletting event occurred. Cozzi’s body was placed in the wagon. The wagon/body was moved to the Tundra. The Tundra traveled to Kosowski’s Tarpon Springs residence. The body was transferred into the Corolla. The Corolla traveled south toward Loop Road. The body was deposited in the dumpster and ultimately transported to the Collier County landfill. When Kosowski asked whether Bolton believed he acted alone, Bolton answered that based on the evidence he had reviewed, it appeared that way. That was Bolton’s investigative theory, not an independent finding by the court. Gorilla Cart Demonstration Kosowski challenged whether one person could lift a cart containing a roughly 190–195 pound body into the Tundra. He asked Bolton to participate in a courtroom demonstration using the Gorilla Cart, a volunteer of approximately Cozzi’s weight and a table intended to approximate the height of the Tundra’s tailgate. The State objected. The court declined to allow the demonstration, telling Kosowski that he had made his point. Kosowski responded: “I don’t think I have.” Bolton nevertheless testified that he believed a person of that weight could be moved and that he believed he personally could lift a 195-pound person in a cart to that approximate height. Redirect On redirect, the State emphasized that although the surveillance did not provide a visual identification of Kosowski: The Tundra itself was tracked back to Kosowski’s residence. Cell records placed Kosowski’s phone in the law-firm area. Surveillance and other records tracked the Corolla. The cellphone moved consistently with the Corolla. The records showed travel through the Loop Road area. Financial & Business Records Before calling its forensic accountant, the State introduced a series of estate, credit and financial records. These included: Estate filings Creditor claims A presumptive death certificate DHSMV records Credit-bureau records Bank and credit-card records The records ultimately included State’s Exhibits 126 through 140. Kosowski raised discovery and relevance objections to several of them. The court emphasized that the presumptive death certificate was not being accepted as independent proof that Cozzi was actually dead. The court would make that factual determination from the evidence presented at trial. After lunch, Kosowski specifically pointed to account activity reflected in Exhibits 131, 138 and 140. The court admitted the records and told Kosowski he could address those transactions through cross-examination.

Forensic Accountant | CPA & Certified Fraud Examiner Tiffany Gorman owns Genesis 41 Forensics and Valuations. Before entering private forensic accounting in 2026, she spent nearly 20 years with the FBI, approximately 17 of them performing forensic-accounting work. Her credentials include: Bachelor’s degree in finance MBA involving forensic accounting and international studies Master of Accountancy Certified Public Accountant Certified Fraud Examiner FBI forensic-accounting training at Quantico Gorman reviewed Cozzi’s: Bank records Credit-card records Loan records Credit reports Wage and employment records Estate records Cozzi’s Financial Pattern Before March 21 Gorman analyzed approximately three months of financial activity preceding Cozzi’s disappearance. She described his spending as highly habitual. Approximately 85% of the debit-card activity she mapped occurred within a roughly three-mile area centered around his work and usual daily routine. Frequent merchants included locations such as: Publix Dunkin’ Circle K Other nearby businesses A map illustrating that pattern was admitted as State’s Exhibit 125. There was one notable geographic outlier in the three-month period: a transaction at a restaurant in Hillsborough County on March 19. Financial Activity After Cozzi Disappeared Gorman distinguished ordinary point-of-sale spending from: Recurring subscriptions Automatic payments Transfers Activity in the joint account shared with Michael Montgomery The last ordinary point-of-sale transactions she identified as Cozzi’s occurred on March 20, including transactions at Publix and Dunkin’. Those transactions posted on March 21 but had been authorized the previous day. Gorman testified that she found no later point-of-sale spending consistent with Cozzi’s previous routine. Activity That Continued There was nevertheless financial activity after March 21. Gorman testified that some of it consisted of: Recurring payments Subscription charges Transfers Activity in Cozzi and Montgomery’s joint checking account She had spoken briefly with Montgomery about recurring charges and account access. Gorman also reviewed a credit application submitted after Cozzi disappeared that she believed appeared fraudulent because information including the telephone number, IP information and mailing address did not correspond with Cozzi. Credit Reports Most accounts reflected in the credit reports eventually reported Cozzi as deceased. One account remained listed as paid as agreed, which Gorman attributed to continuing recurring payments. Her overall opinion was that Cozzi’s ordinary financial activity abruptly stopped in a manner inconsistent with his previous habits. Cross-Examination of Tiffany Gorman Kosowski focused on the limits of Gorman’s analysis. Gorman acknowledged that: She did not receive every possible historic account record. Some older credit-card statements were not reviewed. She spoke with Michael Montgomery only briefly. She did not independently contact every merchant to verify who initiated a particular transaction. Some transactions after March 21 could not be definitively classified from the statement alone. Grammarly Transaction Kosowski questioned a Grammarly charge posted on March 21. Gorman believed it was an annual subscription renewal based on: The amount The nature of the service Information provided by Montgomery However, she acknowledged that the credit-card statement itself did not establish whether payment happened automatically or whether someone manually authorized it that day. Dunkin’ Transaction Kosowski also questioned a Dunkin’ charge that appeared on the March 21 statement. Gorman pointed to the bank record showing the transaction was authorized March 20 even though it posted March 21. She could not provide the exact time of the purchase without additional evidence such as merchant records, a receipt or surveillance footage. Later Online & Joint-Account Activity Kosowski went through additional transactions after March 21, including: Amazon activity Subscription charges Transfers Transactions involving the joint Wells Fargo account Gorman acknowledged that she had not contacted every merchant involved and could not independently identify the person responsible for every later online transaction. Redirect The State emphasized that Cozzi’s physical wallet and cards were found at his desk. Gorman reiterated that the ordinary point-of-sale pattern she had observed before Cozzi disappeared stopped after March 21.

District 6 Medical Examiner | Forensic Pathologist Dr. Jon Russell Thogmartin has served as the District 6 Medical Examiner for approximately 26 years. District 6 covers Pinellas and Pasco counties. He explained that medical examiners investigate certain unexpected and non-natural deaths and evaluate both the medical findings and the broader circumstances surrounding a death. Thogmartin distinguished between: Cause of death - the physical process or injury that caused death Manner of death - the circumstances under which the death occurred, such as natural, accident, suicide, homicide or undetermined In this case, there was a major difference from the ordinary medical-examiner investigation: Steven Cozzi’s body has never been recovered. Thogmartin did not perform an autopsy. Bathroom Blood Evidence Thogmartin reviewed photographs, laboratory information and other evidence involving the Blanchard Law bathroom. He described the evidence as showing a bloodletting event involving Cozzi. He noted that Cozzi-associated blood evidence appeared in multiple locations rather than as one isolated pool. He also considered the evidence suggesting portions of the bathroom had been cleaned. Thogmartin did not identify the specific injury that produced the blood. Surveillance, Wagon & Rigor Mortis Thogmartin reviewed surveillance and still images showing the covered object in the Gorilla Cart and later in the bed of the Tundra. Based on his experience handling thousands of bodies, Thogmartin testified that the shape and movement looked like a human body to him. He explained that a recently deceased body would initially remain pliable. According to Thogmartin: Rigor mortis begins developing first in smaller muscles. Larger muscles commonly begin stiffening around four to six hours after death. A body approximately one to two hours after death would generally still be pliable and positionable. Rigor may be near its greatest stiffness at approximately 12 hours. Rigor eventually passes. He testified that movement visible beneath the covering in the Tundra footage was compatible with a body that had not yet entered full rigor mortis. Fitting a Body Into a Smaller Space Thogmartin testified that before rigor mortis develops, a body can be repositioned into a much more compact configuration. He said that an adult male body can fit inside a large contractor-style garbage bag, estimating approximately 42 gallons, depending on timing and positioning. This was separate from the State’s earlier disclosure that Thogmartin had observed a demonstration involving a prosecutor fitting inside a 39-gallon bag. Decomposition & Dumpster Odor Thogmartin was asked about decomposition in a warm Florida environment. He testified that a body placed in a dumpster could develop significant decomposition within approximately a day, with the process accelerating over the following day. He said the resulting odor would be extremely unpleasant and described “vile” as an appropriate characterization. Thogmartin also reviewed the Waste Management truck video showing black bags falling from the Monroe Station dumpster. He described one of the bags as appearing particularly heavy and said its appearance caught his attention as potentially consistent with a body. He did not identify the contents of the bag from the video. Kosowski’s Injuries Thogmartin reviewed the photographs taken of Kosowski late March 25 into early March 26 pursuant to the body warrant. He identified bruises and abrasions on multiple areas, including: Arms Abdomen Knee and thigh Hands For several of the bruises, Thogmartin estimated that they were more than three days old. He said he could not establish a precise maximum age from photographs alone, although he believed some were probably less than approximately 10 days old and certainly less than roughly two weeks old. He described several injuries on the backs of Kosowski’s hands as abrasions or crusted injuries. He did not characterize those hand injuries as classic defensive wounds. Thogmartin’s Overall Opinion Thogmartin considered the broader context presented to him, including: Cozzi-associated blood evidence in the bathroom Evidence of cleanup Cozzi’s disappearance The covered object in the wagon and Tundra The dumpster and reported odor The absence of later ordinary financial activity The lack of contact with family Other physical and forensic evidence The State asked: To a reasonable degree of medical certainty, is Steven Cozzi alive or dead? Thogmartin answered: “I believe he’s dead.” He further testified that, based on the circumstances he reviewed, he would classify the manner as homicide. That was Thogmartin’s expert opinion based on the context he was provided. He did not determine a specific anatomical cause of death because there is no body to examine. Cross-Examination of Dr. Thogmartin Kosowski began by emphasizing what Thogmartin had not done. No Death Certificate Thogmartin acknowledged: He did not issue Cozzi’s death certificate. He did not perform an autopsy. Cozzi’s body has not been recovered. Thogmartin explained that he had primarily been brought into the case as a consultant regarding postmortem changes. He also explained that if Cozzi’s body were later recovered elsewhere, the medical examiner in that jurisdiction could ultimately have responsibility for formally certifying the death. Amount of Blood in the Bathroom Kosowski questioned whether the amount of blood documented in the bathroom was itself fatal. Thogmartin said no. He testified that the amount of visible external blood was not, in his opinion, enough by itself to cause death from hemorrhagic shock. He could not identify the source of the bleeding without a body. Possible sources could include various forms of trauma, and he noted that fatal blood loss can also occur internally. When Kosowski asked whether it could have been a nosebleed, Thogmartin acknowledged the possibility in isolation but said the overall context of the case did not fit that explanation in his opinion. Could the Gorilla Cart Be Loaded Into the Tundra? Kosowski again challenged the physical feasibility of loading the cart into the Tundra. Thogmartin testified that, in his opinion, a plausible method would be: Lift the front wheels of the cart onto the load surface. Move the cart forward. Lift the rear portion of the cart. He acknowledged that doing so with a body inside could be difficult and uncomfortable, but testified that he believed it was within human capability. Kosowski requested another courtroom demonstration involving the cart and the approximately 30-inch-high courtroom table. The court declined to order the demonstration. Kosowski also asked Thogmartin whether he would personally get inside one of the garbage bags recovered from the Corolla. Thogmartin declined, but testified that he was confident a human body could fit inside an appropriately sized bag. Redirect On redirect, the State returned to the surveillance footage. Thogmartin reiterated that: Something heavy was being moved in the wagon. The covered object later visible in the Tundra looked like a human body to him. If it was a dead body, the death could have resulted from a fatal injury, poisoning or another lethal mechanism. He did not identify a specific cause of death.