Edeedson Cine, 23, was stabbed in the chest and later died after working a Christmas shift at a CVS in Lindenhurst, N.Y. The suspect fled on foot; police later arrested 43-year-old John Pilaccio and charged him with second-degree murder. Prosecutors say surveillance video captured the attack, and Pilaccio has pleaded not guilty. Family members have raised more than $90,000 via GoFundMe as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.
23-Year-Old CVS Worker Stabbed to Death While Covering Christmas Shift; Suspect Charged
gofundmeEdeedson Cine
Edeedson Cine, 23, was fatally stabbed in the chest while working a shift at a CVS pharmacy in Lindenhurst, New York, on Dec. 25, authorities said. Officers who responded to the store at about 6:50 p.m. found Cine at the scene; he was taken to a nearby hospital and later pronounced dead.
Cine’s brother told News 12 Long Island that the young employee had been covering for a coworker and was not originally scheduled to work that night. Family members later launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Cine’s relatives; the fundraiser has raised more than $90,000.
Arrest and Charges
The Suffolk County Police Department says the suspect fled on foot after the attack. Police later arrested 43-year-old John Pilaccio in connection with the stabbing. Pilaccio has been charged with second-degree murder and has reportedly pleaded not guilty, according to local reports.
Evidence and Official Comments
Prosecutors and court documents cited by News 12 and Newsday allege that Pilaccio entered the store and attacked Cine at the register. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney told Newsday that surveillance footage captures the assault:
“The first thing [Pilaccio] did when he got up to the cashier ... unfortunately was to attack him.”
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina told CBS:
“It appears this poor kid went to work on Christmas, and he was assaulted while he was working behind the counter in the store.”
Family Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
Cine’s father, Edeedson Sr., told the New York Post his son was selfless and willing to help others:
“He was the kind of person who would step in front of a bullet for anyone. He would volunteer for the tough assignments. He was simple, and I loved that about my son.”
Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive. The investigation remains active as prosecutors prepare next steps in the case and court proceedings continue.
Note: Local and national outlets, including The New York Times, CBS News and Newsday, reported on the arrest and charges.
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