Beaten Mich. teen has another surgery

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FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Jan. 22 (UPI) -- A Michigan teenager beaten with a baseball bat during a 2011 home invasion is recovering from additional surgery, his family said on Facebook.

On the "Cipriano Support Page" on Facebook, family members let supporters know Monday evening Salvatore Cipriano's operation had gone well.

"Positive update this evening," the posting stated. "Salvatore's surgery of three hours today was successful. This procedure was necessary as a first step to defeating the meningitis bacterial infection. With hope and prayers the infection will be eliminated permanently and Sal may resume a smooth road to recovery. We are grateful for your continued prayers. Bless ALL of you for your prayers and loving support."

Salvatore, who was 17 at the time he was beaten, has undergone several surgeries.

He was severely injured in an April 16 home invasion, allegedly committed by his brother, Tucker Cipriano, and another man, Mitchell Young, the Detroit Free Press reported. Tucker Cipriano and Young are charged with first-degree murder and assault in the attack.

Investigators allege the suspects were smoking Spice, a synthetic marijuana, and decided to kill Cipriano's family so they could steal from their home to buy more drugs.

The Ciprianos' father, Robert Cipriano, 52, was killed in the attack, while their mother, Rose, was severely injured.

Another brother and a young sister who hid survived uninjured.