A 23-year-old CVS employee who volunteered to work a Christmas Day shift for a coworker was fatally stabbed during an armed robbery at a Lindenhurst store on Long Island, leading to murder charges against a suspect who lived just half a mile from the pharmacy.
Edeedson “Eddy” Cine was working behind the counter at the CVS on Montauk Highway when he was stabbed in the chest at around 7 p.m. on December 25. The suspect fled on foot before authorities arrived. Cine was rushed to Good Samaritan University Center West Islip, where he was pronounced dead.
John Pilaccio, 43, was arrested late Friday night and charged with second-degree murder. He was arraigned on Saturday, where he pleaded not guilty and was held without bail. The suspect allegedly demanded cash during the robbery.
Cine had worked at the CVS for 10 months before his death. He took the holiday shift so a coworker could spend Christmas with their family, employees at the store said. His father, Edeedson Cine Sr., said his son spent Christmas morning opening gifts with his parents and siblings before heading to work.
“He was the kind of person who would step in front of a bullet for anyone,” his father told reporters. “He would volunteer for the tough assignments. He was simple, and I loved that about my son.”
Hundreds of mourners gathered Monday night at a vigil in Lindenhurst to honor Cine’s memory. His father spoke publicly about the loss during the emotional gathering. Neighbors and strangers attended the gathering to offer condolences to the grieving relatives.
The family said they harbor no hate toward the accused killer. Edeedson Cine Sr. remembered his son as brave, selfless, and deeply loved, describing him as an independent thinker with deep convictions who always stood his ground.
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina publicly criticized CVS for delayed access to surveillance video from the incident. The commissioner expressed frustration with the pharmacy chain’s response to investigators’ requests for footage from inside the store.
Following the fatal stabbing, CVS added 24-hour private security at the Lindenhurst location. Employees at the store noted that the security measures came too late to protect their colleague.
Customers who frequented the pharmacy remembered Cine as a gentle and kind young man who made lasting impressions during his months at the store. Mourners began creating a memorial outside the CVS entrance.
A GoFundMe campaign established to support Cine’s family raised over $41,000. The fundraising page described Cine as having a fierce heart for service and unwavering love for his family and friends.
The family wrote on the GoFundMe page that while their hearts ache from the loss, they hold firmly to their faith and trust in a greater plan. They said Cine’s love will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know him.
Cine was a resident of West Babylon who became known as a dedicated employee with a strong work ethic during his time at CVS. Despite working at the store for less than a year, he made meaningful connections with customers and colleagues alike.
Pilaccio, who lives in Lindenhurst, approximately half a mile from the CVS location, faces second-degree murder charges in connection with the Christmas Day killing. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal stabbing remains ongoing.
By the time police officers arrived at the scene, the suspect had already left the area on foot.