Violent Crime and Retail Safety

Suffolk County prosecutors have charged 43-year-old ex-convict John Pilaccio with first-degree murder and robbery in the Christmas Day killing of 23-year-old CVS clerk Edeedson (Eddy) Cine Jr. inside a Lindenhurst, New York store. Authorities say Pilaccio, who had a prior violent record including a tire-iron assault and was off parole, entered the East Montauk Highway CVS around 7 p.m., demanded money and repeatedly stabbed Cine in the chest and head before fleeing; Cine died shortly after at a hospital. District Attorney Ray Tierney used the arraignment to slam New York parole reforms, arguing that limits on re-incarcerating violators have made "our parole system a joke" and asking why parole exists if officers cannot return noncompliant offenders to prison. The county medical examiner ruled the death a homicide by sharp-force wounds, and Pilaccio allegedly told investigators he was heavily in credit card debt. Tierney also publicly warned CVS after complaining that surveillance footage was not turned over quickly enough, prompting the company to defend its cooperation and issue a statement mourning Cine as a hard‑working, valued employee whose loss is felt across the company.