Exclusive | Slow release of security video in Christmas Day slay of Long Island CVS worker prompts proposed law

A new bill has been introduced in the state legislature in honor of Edeedson Cine, a 23-year-old CVS worker who was tragically stabbed to death during a botched robbery on Christmas Day. The proposed legislation, known as the Edeedson ‘Joshy’ Cine Transparency Act, aims to prevent delays in investigations by requiring businesses to release security camera footage to law enforcement without the need for a search warrant or subpoena.

Assemblyman Kwani O’Pharrow, the sponsor of the bill, explained that there were significant delays in accessing the surveillance video from the crime scene, which hindered the investigation into Cine’s murder. The proposed law seeks to address this issue by imposing fines of $100,000 for each violation and possible civil repercussions on businesses that fail to cooperate in a timely manner.

While the bill does not currently specify a time frame for businesses to turn over video evidence, it does include exemptions for privacy and competitive business claims. Business owners would also be allowed to have their attorneys review the footage before it is released to law enforcement.

The tragic incident at the CVS store in Lindenhurst prompted Suffolk County cops to criticize the chain for allegedly stalling the murder investigation for a full day, allowing the accused killer, John Pillaccio, to remain at large. Pillaccio, who is now facing charges of first-degree murder, reportedly demanded money from Cine at knifepoint and fatally stabbed him when he refused.

Despite the CVS store’s claims that they cooperated with law enforcement by providing the surveillance footage the day after the murder, Assemblyman O’Pharrow believes that the delays in accessing the video could have allowed the perpetrator to escape or commit another crime. The bill is currently under review in committee, where it may undergo further revisions before being enacted into law.

Cine’s family, who were mourning his loss during his funeral services, have expressed their support for the proposed legislation. Meanwhile, a CVS spokesperson defended the store’s handling of the video footage, stating that they worked diligently to provide law enforcement with the requested footage in a timely manner.

The Edeedson ‘Joshy’ Cine Transparency Act aims to prevent similar delays in future investigations by holding businesses accountable for promptly releasing surveillance video to law enforcement. The proposed law seeks to ensure that justice is served swiftly and efficiently in cases of violent crimes like the tragic death of Edeedson Cine.