23-year-old volunteered for last-minute shift to help coworkers – killed during attempted robbery
Lindenhurst, NY – December 29, 2025 A joyful Christmas morning filled with family, gifts, and laughter turned into unimaginable grief for the Cine family of West Babylon when their 23-year-old son, Edeedson Cine Jr., was fatally stabbed while working an unscheduled shift at a local CVS pharmacy.
Known affectionately as “Eddy” or “Joshy,” Cine spent the early hours of December 25 at home with his parents and three siblings, exchanging presents, washing dishes, and sharing the warmth of the holiday. Described by his father as “a selfless young man,” Eddy volunteered to cover a last-minute shift at the CVS on 20 East Montauk Highway in Lindenhurst when a coworker needed the day off.
He never came home.
A Senseless Attack
Around 6:50 p.m., Suffolk County Police responded to reports of a stabbing inside the store. Cine had been attacked behind the counter with a knife to the chest during an attempted robbery.
Paramedics rushed him to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The suspect, John Pilaccio, 43, of Lindenhurst, allegedly entered the pharmacy demanding money. When Cine refused, Pilaccio stabbed him and fled. Pilaccio was arrested late on December 26 after turning himself in, confessed to the crime, and cited personal financial debts as his motive.
He was charged with second-degree murder, arraigned on December 27, pleaded not guilty, and is being held without bail.
Community Mourns a Bright Young Life
A North Babylon High School graduate, Cine attended St. Joseph’s College and worked at Hunter Business School before joining CVS 10 months ago. Colleagues and customers remember him as hardworking, kind, and always ready with a smile.
The Lindenhurst community has rallied in support. A growing memorial of flowers, candles, and notes now stands outside the store. A GoFundMe campaign launched by loved ones has raised thousands to help the family with funeral expenses and to honor Eddy’s memory.
CVS issued a statement expressing deep sorrow:
“We’re devastated over the tragic stabbing that occurred inside our East Montauk Highway store on Christmas night. Edeedson Cine was a valued member of the store team…During his 10 months with CVS, he was a hard-working and dedicated employee, and his loss will be felt by all of us.”
Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina initially criticized the chain for an 18-hour delay in releasing internal surveillance footage, which he said hampered the early investigation. CVS later provided the video and cooperated fully.
A Family Forever Changed
For the Cine family — proud Haitian-Americans deeply rooted in Long Island’s Haitian community — the loss is indescribable. Eddy was the youngest of four siblings, a son who embodied generosity and responsibility.
His father’s words echo the heartbreak felt across the diaspora: “He was selfless. He always wanted to help.”
As the new year approaches, the family prepares to lay Eddy to rest while holding tight to memories of his final Christmas morning at home.
L’Union Suite extends our deepest condolences to the Cine family, friends, and the entire Long Island Haitian community. May Eddy’s kindness and light live on in the lives he touched.
A GoFundMe has been established to support the family — link in bio for those wishing to contribute.
Rest in perfect peace, Eddy.
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