A 23-year-old CVS employee was fatally stabbed at a Long Island store on Christmas Day while working a shift for a coworker, authorities said.
Edeedson “Eddy” Cine Jr. was stabbed in the chest at the CVS on Montauk Highway in Lindenhurst on December 25. The attack occurred before 7 p.m., about one hour before closing, when a man entered the store demanding cash.
John Pilaccio, 43, of Lindenhurst, was arrested Friday and arraigned Saturday on charges of second-degree murder. He is being held without bail and is due back in Suffolk County court Wednesday.
Pilaccio was described as debt-riddled and fled the scene after the stabbing, according to authorities.
Cine had worked at the CVS for about 10 months and was working the shift for a coworker on Christmas Day. Family members said he had opened gifts Christmas morning before heading to work.
The young man’s father, Edeedson Cine Sr., spoke at a Monday night vigil held at the Lindenhurst village center. Hundreds attended the memorial service to honor his son.
“He was the kind of person who would step in front of a bullet for anyone,” the father told The New York Post. “He would volunteer for the tough assignments. He was simple, and I loved that about my son.”
At the vigil, Cine’s father addressed the pain of losing his son in such a sudden and violent manner. “No parent expects to outlive their child,” he said, according to reports. “The suddenness, the brutal and senseless way he was taken, has left a space in our hearts that can’t be filled.”
Cine’s aunt, Vanessa Cine, also attended the vigil and spoke about the community support the family has received during this difficult time.
Following the fatal stabbing, CVS added 24-hour private security to the store. A memorial with flowers and candles has been set up outside the front entrance, where customers and coworkers have been paying their respects.
A GoFundMe page established by Cine’s family had raised over $80,000 by days after the incident. The fundraising page described Cine as someone with a fierce heart for service whose love for family and friends was unwavering.
The Christmas Day killing has shaken the Lindenhurst community, where Cine had become known to regular customers during his time at the pharmacy. Many described him as kind, thoughtful and always willing to help others.
The case continues as Pilaccio awaits his next court appearance on Wednesday.
Sources:
https://nypost.com/2025/12/28/us-news/security-beefed-up-at-long-island-cvs-where-worker-was-slain/
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/vigil-held-long-island-man-033527744.html