The tragic stabbing death of 23-year-old Edeedson “Eddy” Cine at a CVS store in Lindenhurst, Long Island, on Christmas Day 2025 has taken a heartbreaking turn with revelations from his grieving brother. In an emotional interview with News 12 Long Island, Cine’s sibling disclosed a shocking detail: Eddy wasn’t scheduled to work that fateful evening. Instead, he had volunteered to cover a shift for a coworker, a selfless act that ultimately cost him his life. This disclosure has amplified the family’s anguish, highlighting the randomness of the violence that struck during what should have been a holiday of joy.

Edeedson Cine Jr., a dedicated CVS employee known for his kindness and work ethic, spent his final Christmas morning surrounded by family. Born in Haiti and raised in a close-knit household after immigrating to the U.S., Cine was pursuing a degree in criminal justice at Nassau Community College, dreaming of a career in law enforcement. Friends and relatives described him as a “gentle soul” who always put others first—traits evident in his decision to fill in at the store on December 25. Around 6:50 p.m., as the store bustled with last-minute shoppers, 43-year-old John Pilaccio entered the premises on Wellwood Avenue. Surveillance footage captured the horrifying moment: Pilaccio approached the counter where Cine was stationed and, without warning, stabbed him in the chest.

Suffolk County Police responded swiftly to reports of the assault. Cine was rushed to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, where he was pronounced dead despite medical efforts. Pilaccio fled on foot but was apprehended nearby, charged with second-degree murder. During his arraignment on December 27, prosecutors revealed that Pilaccio confessed to the crime, citing financial desperation from debts as his motive. He pleaded not guilty and was held without bail, with a court date set for January 2026. District Attorney Ray Tierney emphasized the brutality, noting the attack was Pilaccio’s immediate action upon reaching the cashier, all recorded on video.

The brother’s revelation has resonated deeply, underscoring the irony of Cine’s generosity leading to his demise. “He was tryna help someone,” the sibling shared on social media, echoing sentiments from a vigil held on December 29 outside the CVS, where hundreds gathered with candles and prayers. Cine’s father, Edeedson Sr., spoke of his son’s final morning helping with family chores before heading to work, a routine act of love. The family, devastated, has launched a GoFundMe for funeral expenses, raising over $50,000 in days, reflecting community support.

This incident has sparked broader discussions on retail worker safety, especially during holidays. CVS issued a statement expressing condolences and pledging support for employees. Lindenhurst, a quiet Suffolk County town, is reeling from the violence, with local leaders calling for enhanced security measures. As investigations continue, Cine’s story serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility and the profound impact of simple kindnesses gone awry. His legacy, as his brother poignantly noted, is one of selflessness in a world that desperately needs it.