Family identifies the victim as Edeedson Cine Jr., 23, of West Babylon.
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. — A Lindenhurst man was arraigned Saturday on a second-degree murder charge in the Christmas night stabbing that killed a 23-year-old CVS employee working a holiday shift on East Montauk Highway, prosecutors said.
Authorities and relatives say Edeedson Cine Jr. had spent Christmas morning with his family before agreeing to cover a shift at the pharmacy. He was stabbed shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday and died at a West Islip hospital. Police announced the arrest of 43-year-old John Pilaccio on Friday evening and brought him to First District Court the next day. The case has drawn broad attention across Long Island because it unfolded inside a busy neighborhood store on a major road, with investigators citing surveillance footage and witness accounts as core evidence.
Detectives said officers were dispatched at 6:50 p.m. to the CVS at 20 East Montauk Highway. They found Cine with a chest wound behind the counter. Emergency crews took him to Good Samaritan University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Prosecutors told the court the attack happened near the register during an apparent confrontation that lasted less than a minute. In a weekend statement, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina offered condolences to the family and said detectives would “follow the facts wherever they lead.” A company spokesperson called Cine a valued team member and said the retailer was supporting co-workers who were on duty that night.
During the arraignment, prosecutors described video that captures portions of the encounter and said additional camera angles from inside and outside the store were still being analyzed. Court papers state that investigators recovered a knife and clothing consistent with what the assailant wore. The district attorney’s office said it is reviewing whether robbery was a factor and whether the assailant targeted the store or the victim. Officials did not indicate any prior relationship between the two men. The defense reserved comment after court. The judge ordered the defendant held and scheduled the next appearance for this week.
Neighbors and customers filtered by the storefront Saturday, leaving flowers and candles against a streetlight near the parking lot. Lindenhurst sits along the South Shore corridor, where holiday shopping and pharmacy pickups kept foot traffic steady into the evening on Christmas. Co-workers said Cine had joined the store nearly a year ago and was known for picking up extra shifts. “He was always helping,” said coworker Alicia Morales outside the shop. “We are all in shock.” A handwritten poster board with “We Miss You, Edeedson” was taped beside the door, and a small line formed as people paused to pay respects.
Commissioner Catalina said detectives had requested all available surveillance video from the retailer and neighboring businesses and expected to complete a forensic review of the weapon, store scene, and clothing collected during the arrest. The charge of second-degree murder carries a potential sentence of years to life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors said a grand jury presentation is planned in the coming days and additional charges could be considered if evidence supports them. Officials said they would provide an updated timeline and any new findings at the next court appearance.
Cine’s relatives asked for privacy after the arraignment. Friends described him as hardworking and upbeat. A small memorial continues to grow at the entrance to the store as the legal case moves forward this week in Central Islip.
Author note: Last updated December 28, 2025.