‘My Nephew Did Not Die In Vain’: Officials Push New Law After Fatal Lindenhurst CVS Stabbing

LINDENHURST, NY — Months after 23-year-old CVS employee Edeedson “Joshy” Ciné Jr. was stabbed to death while working on Christmas night, lawmakers, law enforcement officials and members of the slain worker’s family gathered on Friday to call for passage of new legislation aimed at forcing businesses to quickly turn over surveillance footage during violent felony investigations.

“The proposed legislation, known as the Edeedson ‘Joshy’ Ciné Jr. Transparency Act, comes months after Suffolk County officials publicly criticized delays in obtaining surveillance footage from the Lindenhurst CVS where Ciné was killed.”

Assemblyman Kwani O’Pharrow, who introduced the Assembly version of the bill alongside state Sen. Monica Martinez, said the measure is intended to ensure law enforcement can rapidly secure critical evidence during the earliest stages of a violent crime investigation.

“We are pushing legislation to protect the legacy of Eddie Joshy Ciné Jr.,” O’Pharrow said outside his office on Montauk Highway in Lindenhurst. “On Christmas Day, while many families were gathered around their tables and opening gifts for loved ones, Joshy made a selfless decision. He agreed to cover the shift of a co-worker who would spend Christmas Day with his children.”

Ciné, a West Babylon resident and North Babylon High School graduate, was stabbed to death while working behind the register during what prosecutors said was a robbery attempt.

Prosecutors said John Pilaccio, 43, of Lindenhurst, later admitted during a police interview to committing the murder after being confronted with surveillance footage from the store.

The legislation would require businesses operating in New York that possess surveillance footage relevant to a felony investigation believed to have occurred on their premises to immediately release that footage to law enforcement upon receiving a formal written request.

“In the immediate aftermath of a violent crime, an investigative focus needs to be on identifying a suspect rather than negotiating to secure footage of the incident,” Martinez said. “It is a threat to public safety and a denial of justice for the victim when the collection of evidence is delayed.”

The bill also includes provisions requiring businesses to preserve footage from being deleted or recorded over and establishes civil penalties of up to $100,000 per incident for noncompliance.

“For nearly 18 hours following Eddie’s murder, police had to continue without being able to access the greatest piece of evidence available during that time," Martinez said. “The community in fear did not know if it was safe, and a family was left wondering who was responsible as they made plans to lay the 23-year-old child — just beginning his life — to rest. All of this occurred despite the fact that clear video of the attack and of the person who did it existed — it just needed to be given over to investigators.”

CVS has disputed claims that law enforcement lacked access to surveillance footage immediately following the stabbing.

The bill’s sponsors acknowledged the legislation still allows businesses time to seek legal review in certain situations, though Martinez said the measure is designed to prevent prolonged delays during violent felony investigations.

“Our goal is not to punish anyone other than the people responsible for the underlying crime,” Martinez said. “But we need companies to do what is right.”

O’Pharrow, a retired NYPD detective with 25 years of law enforcement experience, said the measure has received support from police officials and the Ciné family alike.

“This is a bipartisan bill,” O’Pharrow said. “We have Republicans and Democrats standing shoulder to shoulder to protect the citizens of Suffolk County.”

Assemblyman Michael Durso said lawmakers hope the legislation can help prevent future families from enduring similar pain.

“Something going forward that we can do to help other families — to make sure this doesn’t happen to another victim, another victim’s family,” Durso said.

Members of Ciné’s family stood quietly behind lawmakers during the event.

“We appreciate your time,” Ciné’s uncle Manny Thelusma said. “The Lindenhurst community came around and supported us as well.”

Ciné’s aunt, Whenshell Thelusma, told Patch the proposed law could help prevent future tragedies by giving investigators faster access to evidence during the earliest and most critical stages of violent crime investigations.

“Anything could have happened within that timeframe,” she said, referring to the delay in obtaining exported footage. “He could have gone to a different store and hurt someone else —he could have left the country — who knows?”

She described Ciné as someone deeply committed to helping others, even long before the night he agreed to cover the Christmas shift.

“He was such a loving, caring child that cared deeply about people,” Thelusma said. “He was always helping.”

Thelusma said the family continues trying to adjust to life without him.

“We support each other," she said. “Haitian families are very tight."

Thelusma said the family hopes the legislation ultimately becomes part of Ciné’s lasting impact.

“It’s a change that could help not just so many people in the future,” Thelusma said. “It’s also a way to see that my nephew did not die in vain. There’s a legacy. There’s something good that could come out of this tragic situation. To have the transparency act carry his name is very meaningful. His legacy was always helping people.”