The fatal stabbing of a young retail worker inside a Long Island CVS store on Christmas Day has shaken the local community and drawn attention to a violent incident that unfolded during what is traditionally considered a time of peace and family gathering. Authorities say 23-year-old Edeedson Cine, an employee at the Lindenhurst CVS location, was killed while working an extra shift he was not originally scheduled to take.
The suspect, 43-year-old John Pilaccio of Lindenhurst, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. As investigators continue to examine the circumstances leading up to the attack, details from police, family members, coworkers, and customers paint a picture of a young man dedicated to his job and community, whose life was abruptly cut short while performing routine duties behind a store counter.
The incident occurred just before closing time on Christmas evening, transforming an ordinary retail setting into the scene of a deadly crime. Surveillance footage, witness accounts, and police response timelines have since become central to the investigation.
While many questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding motive, officials have outlined the sequence of events that led to Pilaccio’s arrest and the charges he now faces. The case has also prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance for Cine, whose family and community members have shared memories emphasizing his kindness, work ethic, and commitment to service.
Details of the Christmas Day Stabbing at the Lindenhurst CVS
According to Suffolk County police, officers were dispatched to the CVS store located at 20 East Montauk Highway in Lindenhurst shortly before 7 p.m. on Christmas Day. The store was scheduled to close in about an hour when the stabbing occurred. Upon arrival, first responders found Edeedson Cine suffering from a stab wound to the chest. Emergency medical personnel rushed him to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police said the suspect fled the scene on foot immediately after the attack. Witnesses inside and outside the store provided descriptions, and surveillance video from the exterior of the CVS played a critical role in identifying a person of interest. Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina stated that the investigation progressed rapidly due to the availability of video evidence and eyewitness cooperation. Based on this information, authorities identified John Pilaccio as a suspect later that same day.
The man accused of fatally stabbing a Lindenhurst CVS employee was arraigned Saturday morning on murder charges.
— Crime In NYC (@Crime_In_NYC) December 27, 2025
Prosecutors say John Pilaccio, 43, entered the store just before 7 p.m. Thursday and attacked 23-year-old Edeedson Cine.
Prosecutors say Pilaccio demanded money and… pic.twitter.com/4oEhdC4sSL
Pilaccio, a 43-year-old resident of Lindenhurst, was taken into custody without incident. He has since been charged with second-degree murder and is expected to be arraigned in court. As of the latest updates, investigators have not disclosed what led to the confrontation inside the store, nor have they confirmed whether Pilaccio and Cine knew each other prior to the incident. Police have also not indicated whether the stabbing followed an argument, an attempted theft, or another type of interaction, stating only that the investigation remains ongoing.
Commissioner Catalina described the incident as an unprovoked attack on a young employee who was simply doing his job. He noted that Cine was working behind the counter when he was assaulted, underscoring the sudden and unexpected nature of the violence. Law enforcement officials continue to review evidence and interview witnesses to establish a clearer understanding of the events that unfolded in the moments before the stabbing.
Edeedson Cine’s Life, Work, and the Circumstances of His Final Shift
Edeedson Cine was 23 years old and lived in West Babylon with his parents. Family members told local media that he was not originally scheduled to work on Christmas Day but had agreed to pick up an extra shift. His grandmother, Rose Cine, expressed disbelief and anguish over the location and timing of the attack, questioning why violence occurred in the very place where her grandson was working.
Cine had been employed at the Lindenhurst CVS for approximately 10 months. Police and company representatives confirmed his tenure, while coworkers and customers described him as a dependable and courteous employee. CVS issued a statement expressing devastation over the incident and describing Cine as a valued member of the store team known for his strong work ethic. The company said his loss would be deeply felt by colleagues across the organization.
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Family members also shared details about Cine’s life outside of work. He attended a Seventh-day Adventist church and was described as very loving and devoted to his family. Relatives emphasized that his routine largely revolved around home, work, and church, portraying him as a young man focused on responsibility and service. These accounts were echoed by customers who frequented the store and remembered Cine for his helpfulness and polite demeanor.
One customer, Margaret Reichling, recalled that Cine consistently went above and beyond in assisting shoppers. She described him as responsive, respectful, and attentive, noting that his positive attitude left a lasting impression. Such testimonies contributed to the sense of loss felt by those who interacted with him regularly, even in brief, everyday encounters at the store.
In the days following the stabbing, a makeshift memorial was established outside the CVS location. Community members stopped by to leave flowers, candles, and messages in remembrance of Cine. The memorial became a focal point for collective mourning, reflecting the impact Cine had on people who knew him personally as well as those who recognized him simply as a familiar and friendly presence in their neighborhood.
Community Response, Ongoing Investigation, and Legal Proceedings
The killing of a young employee on Christmas Day prompted a strong reaction from the Lindenhurst community and beyond. Alongside the memorial at the store, an online fundraising campaign was launched to support Cine’s family. The GoFundMe page described him as a remarkable young man taken far too soon and highlighted his commitment to serving others. By Saturday, the campaign had raised more than $36,000, demonstrating widespread support and sympathy from donors.
The Suffolk County Police Department has stated that the investigation remains active. Detectives continue to analyze surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements to determine the motive behind the stabbing. Authorities have not released information regarding any prior criminal history of the suspect or whether mental health factors may have played a role. Such details are typically addressed as cases move through the court system.
John Pilaccio’s arrest marked a swift development in the case, but legal proceedings are only beginning. Charged with second-degree murder, Pilaccio faces serious potential penalties if convicted. He is expected to be arraigned, during which formal charges will be presented and bail or detention conditions will be determined. Prosecutors are likely to rely on surveillance footage, witness testimony, and physical evidence gathered at the scene to build their case.
Retail workers’ safety has also emerged as an underlying concern in public discussions following the incident. While authorities have not linked this case to broader crime trends, the fact that the attack occurred inside a retail store during business hours has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities faced by employees in customer-facing roles. CVS has not announced any immediate policy changes but reiterated its support for Cine’s family and coworkers in its public statement.
As the legal process moves forward, the focus remains on establishing accountability for the crime and honoring the life of Edeedson Cine. For his family, friends, coworkers, and customers, the loss represents more than a headline or a court case. It marks the absence of a young man remembered for his dedication, kindness, and willingness to step in when needed, even on a holiday he was not scheduled to work.
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