FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – It’s been 13 years since the baseball bat attack inside the Cipriano family home in Farmington Hills. Since then, the family has undergone a journey of recovery unlike any other.
In April 2012, Robert Cipriano was killed in his Farmington Hills home. The attack nearly killed Robert Cipriano’s wife, Rose Cipriano, and their son, Sal Cipriano -- leaving them both critically injured. Sal’s twin, Tanner, and their younger sister Isabella, were not harmed in the attack, but still deal with the emotional scars.
The couple’s adopted son, Tucker and his friend Mitchell Young, were later convicted of the crime. Both were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. As they sit behind bars, the Cipriano’s continue to heal -- but their journey is a long and twisted road of lows and highs.
---> Cipriano family shares what’s next on their road to recovery in Farmington Hills
Rare look inside their healing process
Their story captured the nation’s attention. After the attack, there was worry about whether or not Rose and Sal would survive.
Rose had seven plates in her face and seven in her head. She spent two weeks in a coma after the attack. The level of brain injury Sal endured had many thinking he may not survive -- but he did. They both did.
They’ve undergone therapy, successes, and a few setbacks -- but their message has always been clear. They are not giving up.
Local 4 has followed Sal’s recovery from moments of struggle to victory. While Sal can’t talk, at one point, he could communicate with his phone. As his progress grew Local 4 followed him to Canada for an eye therapy that helped him walk. He even threw the first pitch at a Tiger’s game -- Sal loves baseball.
But this past year has been difficult for Sal. He’s experienced seizures, undergone shunt surgeries, hospital stays -- and lost much of what he had achieved. Part of his recovery includes occupational therapy to learn activities of daily living.
Sal won’t quit. He keeps going and rarely tells his therapist he’s too tired to try again.
As Sal and Rose work to build back their physical strength, they also rely on Tanner and Isabelle.
Isabelle is graduating Notre Dame this year. Tanner lives in L.A. and makes many trips back home to see his twin.
The 14th annual Cipriano Classic fun run and walk will take place Friday, June 6, 2025. You can learn more about the event by visiting ciprianoclassic.com.
Click here to register for the run or donate.
Timeline of coverage
Here is a timeline with links to Local 4’s coverage of the attacks, court case, and the family’s journey:
- May 25, 2012: Cipriano family offers statement on beating victims
- June 28, 2012: Cipriano family reissues statement after convictions
- Dec. 24, 2014: Cipriano family offers update, seeks donations
