Christmas night ended in tragedy for Eddy Cine Jr., a 23-year-old with dreams of becoming a computer technician. He selflessly covered a shift for a coworker at a Lindenhurst, New York CVS, a simple act of kindness that cost him his life.
Minutes before his shift ended, John Pilaccio, a 43-year-old with a history of violence, entered the store and brutally attacked Cine. The motive, according to investigators, was shockingly simple: robbery. Pilaccio allegedly demanded money, then stabbed Cine repeatedly, first in the chest, then again after jumping over the counter.
The attack was swift and merciless. Pilaccio, burdened by $25,000 in credit card debt, allegedly saw Cine as a means to an end. Investigators revealed a past marred by a violent assault with a tire iron two decades prior, and a recent discharge from parole supervision.
Police arrived to a horrific scene, administering immediate first aid before rushing Cine to the hospital. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to the devastating wounds – sharp-force injuries to his head and chest. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner officially ruled his death a homicide.
The District Attorney’s office expressed frustration with the initial handling of surveillance footage by CVS, emphasizing the importance of timely evidence disclosure. A warning was issued: if cooperation falters, search warrants will be obtained.
Beyond the legal proceedings, a family mourns. Eddy Cine was remembered as a beloved son and brother, part of a close-knit family from West Babylon. He was a student at Hunter Business School, pursuing his passion for technology, and found joy in cooking, music, and playing the drums.
Those who knew him described a “remarkable young man,” a positive force in his community. His father, Ed Cine Sr., is an instructor at the very school where Eddy studied, adding a layer of profound sorrow to the tragedy.
Pilaccio now faces a charge of first-degree murder, a more severe designation than initially filed, justified by the fact the killing occurred during a robbery. This carries the potential for a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
The case has sparked debate about the effectiveness of the parole system, with the District Attorney questioning laws that prevent re-incarceration for parole violations. “If that’s the case, then why have parole?” he asked, highlighting a critical flaw in the system.
Pilaccio is currently held without bail, awaiting his next court appearance. The loss of Eddy Cine Jr. serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of senseless violence.
