A man accused of killing a CVS employee on Christmas has made a court appearance. The incident occurred in Lindenhurst, Long Island. Edeedson Cine, 23, known as Eddie, was working the cash register that day. It was near closing time when the event unfolded.
Details of the Incident
On December 25th, around 7 p.m., 43-year-old John Pilaccio entered the CVS store. He reportedly stole a Gatorade and attempted to rob the establishment. When Cine refused to hand over any cash, Pilaccio allegedly lunged and stabbed him in the chest.
Following the initial attack, Pilaccio reportedly jumped over the counter and continued to assault Cine. The attack left Cine with severe injuries, including a stab wound more than seven inches long that pierced his heart. Tragically, he passed away within minutes of the assault.
Legal Proceedings
Pilaccio is charged with first-degree murder, which could result in a life sentence without parole. Prosecutors noted that he was motivated by his substantial credit card debt of $25,000. Prior to this incident, Pilaccio had a criminal history that included six previous felonies, one being a violent robbery from two decades ago. Despite this, he had completed his parole.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney criticized the current parole system, suggesting it warrants reevaluation. After the court hearing, he described Cine as a remarkable young man, expressing sympathy for the victim’s family.
Community Reaction
Community leaders have voiced their frustrations. Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina lamented the senseless loss, emphasizing how devastating such incidents are for families. Cine’s family is now seeking legal counsel to explore whether CVS had sufficient measures in place to ensure employee safety.
- Cine’s Wake: Thursday
- Cine’s Funeral: Friday
Heather Palmore, the family attorney, raised concerns regarding customer safety protocols at CVS. She highlighted the irony of stringent measures for customers while employees remain vulnerable.
The tragic incident has sparked discussions on employee safety and the effectiveness of the judicial system concerning repeat offenders.
