The Lengthy Island man who fatally stabbed a CVS employee on Christmas Day was $25,000 in debt and trying to rob the store, authorities mentioned Wednesday.

John Pilaccio, a 43-year-old Lindenhurst man, was indicted on an upgraded charge of first-degree murder, the Suffolk County District Legal professional’s workplace mentioned.

Pilaccio is accused of killing 23-year-old cashier Edeedson Cine Jr. on the retailer in Lindenhurst. On Wednesday, prosecutors revealed Cine was not supposed to work Christmas Day however was known as in to assist, based on WABC.

Investigators mentioned Pilaccio entered the shop, took a lap, picked up a drink after which approached Cine on the register and tried to rob the store, WNBC reported. When Cine refused at hand over any money, Pilaccio reached over-the-counter and stabbed him to dying with strikes to the chest and head, police mentioned.

Prosecutors mentioned Pilaccio wanted the money as a result of he had $25,000 in credit card debt, based on Newsday. He gave a videotaped confession to cops, authorities mentioned.

Below New York legislation, a cost of first-degree homicide requires a second intentional crime, which authorities mentioned was Pilaccio’s intention to rob the shop.

Cops additionally mentioned Pilaccio has a prolonged felony historical past, together with a earlier conviction for beating a person with a tire iron over $50, Newsday reported. He was imprisoned from 2006 to 2015 for that assault.

“Whereas households in our group have been celebrating Christmas, one household suffered an unimaginable loss,” Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney mentioned. “This mindless tragedy ought to have by no means occurred.”