The senseless killing of 23-year-old Edeedson “Eddy” Cine at a Long Island CVS on Christmas Day 2025 has been compounded by a poignant revelation from his brother, shedding light on the young man’s final act of kindness. In a tearful statement shared with local media, the sibling disclosed that Cine wasn’t originally rostered for the evening shift; he had stepped in to cover for a colleague, allowing them to spend the holiday with family. This selfless decision, emblematic of Cine’s character, tragically placed him in harm’s way, turning a day of celebration into one of profound loss for his loved ones.
Edeedson Cine Jr., a Haitian immigrant pursuing criminal justice studies at Nassau Community College, had aspirations of becoming a police officer. Described by friends as hardworking and compassionate, he began his Christmas morning at home in Lindenhurst, assisting with family preparations and enjoying time with relatives. By evening, he headed to the CVS on Wellwood Avenue, where he worked as a cashier. Around 6:50 p.m., 43-year-old John Pilaccio entered the store and, according to surveillance video reviewed by Suffolk County Police, approached Cine directly and stabbed him fatally in the chest without provocation.
First responders arrived promptly, transporting Cine to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, but efforts to save him were unsuccessful. Pilaccio, a local resident with no prior connection to the victim, fled the scene but was captured nearby. During questioning, he admitted to the attack, attributing it to overwhelming financial burdens from debts. Arraigned on December 27 on second-degree murder charges, Pilaccio entered a not guilty plea and remains in custody without bail, facing a maximum of 25 years to life if convicted. District Attorney Ray Tierney condemned the act as “heinous,” stressing the clarity of the video evidence and the lack of any altercation preceding the stabbing.
The brother’s shocking insight has resonated widely, illustrating how Cine’s generosity—often extending to helping coworkers and community members—led to his untimely end. “He didn’t have to be there,” the sibling lamented, urging remembrance of Eddy’s positive spirit. A community vigil on December 29 drew crowds to the store’s parking lot, where mourners lit candles, shared stories, and called for justice. Cine’s father, Edeedson Sr., recounted his son’s morning routine of aiding with household tasks, a reflection of his upbringing in a supportive family that valued hard work and empathy.
In response, CVS has committed to enhancing employee safety protocols and providing counseling for staff. The incident has ignited conversations about retail worker protections, particularly during high-stress holiday periods. A GoFundMe campaign initiated by the family has surpassed $60,000, aiding with burial costs and supporting Cine’s dreams through scholarships. As Lindenhurst grapples with this holiday horror, Cine’s story endures as a symbol of altruism amid adversity, prompting reflections on the hidden risks in everyday acts of goodwill. Investigations continue, with authorities seeking additional witnesses to strengthen the case.
