Long Island CVS employee fatally stabbed during robbery on Christmas Day

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LINDENHURST, N.Y. — A 23‑year‑old CVS employee was fatally stabbed in the chest while working a Christmas Day shift on Long Island, according to the Suffolk County Police Department.

CVS Employee Fatally Stabbed During Holiday Shift

Officers responded to the CVS at 20 East Montauk Highway around 6:50 p.m. on Dec. 25 and found Edeedson “Eddy” Cine Jr. suffering from a stab wound.

Police said First Precinct officers rushed him to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, where medical staff pronounced him dead.

Edeedson Eddy Cine Stepped In to Cover a Co‑Worker

Cine had not been scheduled to work the holiday shift. Instead, he volunteered to cover for a colleague so they could spend Christmas with family, his father told the New York Post.

“My son normally helps out,” Edeedson Cine Sr. said. “He was the kind of person who would step in front of a bullet for anyone.”

Cine spent Christmas morning with his family, helping prepare for the holiday. His father said the young man washed dishes before leaving for work.

“He said, ‘I’ll wash the dishes before I go to work,’” Cine Sr. recalled. “Then he kissed me and left. He unfortunately didn’t make it home.”

Family Describes Edeedson Eddy Cine Jr as Devoted and Selfless

Cine Sr. said his son, affectionately known as Eddy and Joshy, lived with a strong sense of duty and kindness. “He was always willing to help,” he told the Post. “If he can make things better for you, he will.”

GoFundMe

GoFundMe Created to Support Eddy Cine Jr’s Family

A GoFundMe created by family described him as a “remarkable young man” with a “fierce heart for service.” The fundraiser had raised more than $80,000 by Sunday afternoon.

Suspect Arrested Hours After the CVS Employee Fatally Stabbed

Police arrested John Pilaccio, 43, of Lindenhurst, hours after the stabbing. He is charged with second‑degree murder, according to a statement provided to The New York Times.

Investigators recovered surveillance video from inside the store. However, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said the motive remains unclear.

“It appears this poor kid went to work on Christmas, and he was assaulted while he was working behind the counter,” Catalina told CBS News. “Our hearts go out to his family, and we’re going to do everything in our power to arrest the individual responsible for this heinous crime.”

Catalina added that Pilaccio “was in the store for nefarious reasons,” though detectives continue to investigate what led to the confrontation.

CVS Calls the Killing a ‘Senseless Tragedy’

CVS issued a statement expressing grief and support for employees.

“We’re devastated over the tragic stabbing that occurred inside our East Montauk Highway store on Christmas night,” the company said, according to CBS News. “Edeedson Cine was a valued member of the store team, known for his strong work ethic.”

The company added that counseling services were being offered to staff.

Community Mourns a Beloved CVS Employee

Customers described Cine as an “angel” who always greeted people with kindness, the New York Post reported.

The store has since added round‑the‑clock private security. Pilaccio is being held without bail after his arraignment in Suffolk County court.

Family Leans on Faith as They Grieve

Cine’s relatives said their faith anchors them as they mourn.

“He had a fierce heart for service, and his love for his family and friends was unwavering,” the family wrote on GoFundMe. “Though Eddy’s time on earth was brief, we trust that God’s plan is greater than our understanding.”