FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – It was a year of setbacks for Sal Cipriano.
He has had seizures, had to learn to walk again, and then his appendix burst. He still has a goal to make it to the Cipriano Classic 5K Run on Friday and to thank his community for their help.
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The race raises funds for medical care. Ahead of the race, the Cipriano family is sharing their story and their emotions over the past year.
This year’s annual Cipriano Classic fun run and walk will take place Friday, June 5, 2026. You can learn more about the event by visiting ciprianoclassic.com.
Click here to register for the run or donate.
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.
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.
Cipriano family shares their story
On a Thursday morning inside the Cipriano home, 31-year-old Salvatore Cipriano gets help from his caregiver.
His family said he has had seizures that have set him back. In January, Sal had a bad seizure and was hospitalized. He was doing better -- and then after his birthday in March, he had appendicitis and his appendix ruptured.
Nurses, therapists, and caregivers support his recovery every day. The family said Sal is frustrated and that they’ve experienced some down times because he gets really tired and sometimes doesn’t sleep well.
Isabella is home now. She graduated from Notre Dame and is studying now to become a doctor. Watching what her brother is going through is her motivation to enter the medical world.
Tanner, Sal’s twin, lives in California. He is trying his best at standup comedy. For him, it’s also therapy to get away from what has happened to their family.
Rose is the glue for the family. The quiet strength. She still deals with headaches and recovery. She takes care of Sal and finds time for friends. Her faith carries her through. But the cost of recovery and care is a heavy burden.
Rose said the fundraiser is a way for Sal to connect personally with the people who have helped the family so much.
Sal will be at the race on Friday. He can’t walk, but he will be in a golf cart waving and thanking everyone for their support.
This year’s annual Cipriano Classic fun run and walk will take place Friday, June 5, 2026. 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