In a tragic turn of events on Long Island, a CVS employee lost his life on Thursday after being fatally stabbed by an assailant who subsequently fled the scene on foot.

The suspect, identified as 43-year-old John Pilaccio, was apprehended the following day. He now faces charges of second-degree murder, as reported by WABC.

The victim, Edeedson Cine, only 23 years old, had been working that night as a favor to a friend. News12 highlighted this as part of the personal tragedy surrounding the incident.

In court proceedings on Saturday, prosecutors revealed that Pilaccio had confessed to the crime. He claimed financial desperation drove him to attempt robbery, but when Cine refused to comply, the situation escalated fatally.

Eyewitness accounts and surveillance footage depicted a chilling scene. Pilaccio was seen lingering in the store before suddenly attacking Cine with a knife, stabbing him in the chest, according to a report from Law&Crime. After the initial assault, he reportedly leaped over the counter, continuing his brutal attack before escaping.

Despite being rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, Cine succumbed to his injuries, as detailed by WABC.

In court, the killer’s attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, News12 said. He was ordered held without bail and is due back in court on Wednesday.