Greater Long Island coverage is funded in part by Toresco & Simonelli, a boutique injury and family law firm in West Islip. They fight for their clients. Click here to get in touch.
The man accused of fatally stabbing a CVS worker in Lindenhurst on Christmas now faces a first-degree murder charge following a Suffolk County grand jury indictment.
Court records show John Pilaccio, 43, has been indicted on upgraded charges in the killing of 23-year-old Edeedson “Eddy” Ciné Jr., who was knifed to death while working inside the CVS on East Montauk Highway on Christmas night.
Pilaccio is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment charges Jan. 7 in Suffolk County Court.
Prosecutors allege the deadly stabbing occurred during the commission of another crime — a key factor that elevated the charge to first-degree murder under New York law.
Authorities have previously said Pilaccio demanded money from Ciné inside the store and attacked him after the worker refused. Ciné, a West Babylon resident who was called into work in the holiday after a co-worker called out, was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Under state law, a homicide committed during certain felonies — including robbery — can qualify as first-degree murder, often referred to as felony murder. Court documents tied to the indictment also list multiple second-degree murder counts connected to the Christmas night attack.
Pilaccio, whose home is a few blocks from the CVS, was arrested the day after the killing and initially charged with second-degree murder. He was ordered held without bail and remains in custody.
Grand jury indictments in New York are often sealed until a defendant is formally arraigned, limiting public access to detailed allegations until the court proceeding.
The killing has shaken the Lindenhurst community, prompting vigils and an outpouring of support for Ciné’s family. A GoFundMe created in his memory has raised more than $100,000.
Top: John Pilaccio (Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office)
