Son of Farmington Hills beating victim arrested, 2 others seriously hurt

Victim Bob Cipriano worked as administrator for Dearborn Schools

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – Police think a 19-year-old man had a role in an attack that killed his father and critically injured two other family members in a Detroit suburb.

Farmington Hills Police Chief Chuck Nebus said 52-year-old Bob Cipriano died early Monday morning when he was beaten with a bat inside his home on Rosehill Drive. His 51-year-old wife and 17-year-old son were also severely beaten. Another twin 17-year-old son and an 8-year-old daughter were able to hide, call 911 and escape.

Nebus said Cipriano's oldest son, Tucker Cipriano, who is adopted, is accused of breaking into the home with another person before things turned violent. Nebus said the 19-year-old has a history of drug problems and may have wanted money.

A 20-year-old suspect was taken into custody inside the house when police arrived. Area schools were briefly put on lockdown while police searched the Tucker Cipriano. He was found about five hours later when officers tracked him to Keego Harbor, which is about 12 miles away from the crime scene.

Tucker Cipriano is on probation for cocaine possession.

"This doesn't happen here," said neighbor Carol Measel. "It's so quiet in here, and then with the police station I've always felt real safe."

Nebus said the scene inside the home was brutal and bloody. He said it was a "horrible scene" and "hard scene for the officers."

UNCUT: Farmington Hills police talk about brutal beatings

Dearborn Schools mourns loss

Bob Cipriano was the director of business services for Dearborn schools.

They have released the following statement me on his death:

The Dearborn Public Schools is mourning the loss of Business Services Director Mr. Robert Cipriano. Mr. Cipriano has been with the district since July of 2000 and was responsible for managing the district's $200 million budget and oversaw district athletics. Before joining the Dearborn Public Schools Mr. Cipriano worked for Oakwood Hospital. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University. 

"This is a very tragic and sad day for the Dearborn Public Schools family. We have lost a respected professional but more important we have lost a dear friend," commented Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Mr. Brian Whiston. 

Staff members who work in the Administration Building with Cipriano were shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news as they arrived for work on Monday morning. Grief counselors were at the building on Monday and will be available for anyone who may need to talk with someone about this very terrible event. 

Bob, as everyone knew him by, was not a "behind the desk" administrator. He would routinely be seen at buildings, working directly with principals, attending sporting events in the district, and reading to students during March is Reading Month. He was an excellent steward of taxpayer dollars.   

"Bob made students the priority. If we had to make cuts he would want to know how it would impact the classroom, if we were going to spend additional dollars he wanted to make sure it was being spent to help students learn," Whiston added.

Cipriano was part of the district's negotiations team and was instrumental in helping the district and teachers reach a ground breaking contract that saved jobs by allowing the union to manage their own healthcare. 

The thoughts and prayers of all district staff members go out to the Cipriano family and the hopes of a speedy recovery for Mr. Cipriano's wife and son.

Cipriano was the victim of a violet break-in at his Farmington Hills home. His wife and son were also seriously injured in the attack and remain in the hospital. His other son and daughter were able to escape the home without physical injury. 

WATCH: Uncut interview with Dearborn Schools superintendent

WATCH: Uncut interview with Dearborn Schools director of communications

Victim, brother are juniors at Catholic Central High School

The Cipriano family had twin 17-year-old boys, Sal and Tanner. They were juniors at Catholic Central.

The school has this to say:

"Here at Detroit Catholic Central, we are both shocked and saddened by the horrible tragedy that has fallen upon on the Cipriano family.  Bob Cipriano was a very active member of our Dads' Club and we are saddened at his loss.  We are focusing our energy, time and prayers on the repose of his soul, and for the healing of the Cipriano family, in particular for Mrs. Rose Cipriano, also a very active mom here at CC, and for Sal, both of whom are in the hospital.  Sal and his twin brother Tanner are juniors at CC, they are fine gentlemen and true Men of Catholic Central.  This afternoon, the student body, staff and faculty of Detroit Catholic Central prayed the rosary for the Cipriano family, and we are keeping the entire family in our prayers.  Counselors will be available for our students and CC community throughout the day tomorrow."