WEST BABYLON, NY – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that a Lindenhurst man has been indicted on first-degree murder and related charges in the fatal stabbing of a CVS employee on Christmas Day.
John Pilaccio, 43, is accused of killing Edeedson Cine, Jr., 23, of West Babylon, while Cine was working at a CVS store in Lindenhurst on the evening of December 25, 2025.
According to investigators, shortly before 7:00 p.m., Pilaccio allegedly entered the store and walked through the aisles before approaching Cine, who was stationed at the front desk. Authorities allege Pilaccio was armed with a knife and lunged at the victim, stabbing him in the chest. He then allegedly vaulted over the counter and continued the attack before fleeing the scene.
Officers from the Suffolk County Police Department’s First Precinct arrived within minutes and attempted life-saving measures, assisted by members of the Lindenhurst Ambulance Company. Cine was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy conducted by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Cine died from sharp-force injuries to his head and chest.
Pilaccio was arrested the following day, December 26, 2025, in Lindenhurst.
On January 7, 2026, Pilaccio was arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis on an indictment charging one count of Murder in the First Degree and two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, all Class A felonies. He was remanded without bail pending further proceedings.
Pilaccio is scheduled to return to court on February 23, 2026. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
District Attorney Tierney expressed condolences to the victim’s family, noting that the loss occurred during a time traditionally reserved for celebration and togetherness. He also commended law enforcement for their rapid response and arrest of the defendant.
Key Facts & Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Case Type | Homicide / Criminal Indictment |
| Defendant | John Pilaccio |
| Defendant Age | 43 |
| Defendant Residence | Lindenhurst, New York |
| Victim | Edeedson Cine, Jr. |
| Victim Age | 23 |
| Victim Residence | West Babylon, New York |
| Date of Incident | December 25, 2025 (Christmas Day) |
| Approximate Time | Shortly before 7:00 p.m. |
| Location | CVS Pharmacy, Lindenhurst, NY |
| Alleged Weapon | Knife |
| Cause of Death | Sharp-force injuries to head and chest (per Medical Examiner) |
| Arrest Date | December 26, 2025 |
| Charges | Murder in the First Degree (1 count); Murder in the Second Degree (2 counts) |
| Court | Suffolk County Supreme Court |
| Arraignment Date | January 7, 2026 |
| Judge | Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis |
| Bail Status | Remanded without bail |
| Next Court Date | February 23, 2026 |
| Potential Sentence | Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole |
