Lindenhurst Man Indicted in Fatal CVS Stabbing of Worker

John Pilaccio, 43, of Lindenhurst was indicted on January 7 on charges that include Murder in the First Degree in connection with the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Edeedson Cine, Jr., who was working at the Lindenhurst CVS on Christmas Day. The Suffolk County District Attorney announced the indictment after an investigation by Suffolk County Police and subsequent prosecution steps taken by the DA’s office.

Authorities say the indictment was returned following the joint investigative and prosecutorial work. The district attorney’s release conveyed condolences to the victim’s family, identified the prosecutor assigned to the case, and reiterated the standard legal disclaimer that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

The incident, occurring on December 25, has resonated across Suffolk County, where retail employees and holiday workers have expressed heightened concern over workplace safety. Lindenhurst residents and local business owners said they were shaken by the violence at a neighborhood store frequented by families during the holiday season. For many in the community, the case raises questions about staffing practices, late-night security measures, and the resources available to protect workers who perform essential services during peak periods.

From a legal perspective, the first-degree murder charge signals that prosecutors believe the evidence supports a serious and premeditated offense under state law. The indictment moves the matter from investigation into the criminal court process, where arraignment, pretrial hearings, and potential trial dates will follow. The DA’s statement that a specific prosecutor has been assigned indicates the office will take an active role in presenting the case to a jury, while also upholding the constitutional presumption of innocence afforded to Pilaccio.

The broader implications reach beyond Lindenhurst. In an interconnected era where local incidents can influence regional policing strategies and labor protections, the case could prompt renewed dialogue among law enforcement, town officials, employers, and advocacy groups about preventive measures for workers on shift. Families and coworkers of the victim are coping with a sudden loss, and community leaders are being urged to balance the need for public safety with adherence to due process as the legal proceedings unfold.

As the case proceeds through Suffolk County courts, residents will watch for updates on arraignment schedules, evidentiary developments, and any public safety initiatives the village and county undertake in response to the tragedy.