The man accused of fatally stabbing a CVS employee in Lindenhurst on Christmas night is now facing 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 stabbed while working inside the CVS on East Montauk Highway.
Pilaccio is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on January 7 in Suffolk County Court. Prosecutors say the charge was elevated because the deadly stabbing allegedly occurred during the commission of another crime, a key requirement for first-degree murder under New York law.
Authorities previously said Pilaccio demanded money from Ciné inside the store and attacked him after the worker refused. Ciné, a West Babylon resident, had reportedly been called in to work on Christmas after a co-worker called out. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Under state law, homicides committed during certain felonies — including robbery — can qualify as first-degree murder, often referred to as felony murder. Court documents connected to the indictment also list multiple second-degree murder counts related to the attack.
Pilaccio, who lived just blocks from the CVS, was arrested the day after the killing. He was initially charged with second-degree murder and ordered held without bail, where he remains.
The case has deeply affected the Lindenhurst community, prompting vigils and widespread support for Ciné’s family. A GoFundMe created in his memory has raised more than $100,000.
