Detroit-area soccer player charged with second-degree murder in referee's death

DETROIT – A Detroit-area soccer player accused of killing a referee with a punch to his neck has been charged with second-degree murder.

Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy announced the charge Wednesday against 36-year-old Baseel Abdul-Amir Saad of Dearborn. He was previously charged with assault.

John Bieniewicz died last week from injuries sustained June 29 when he was hit while working as a referee at a men's soccer game in Livonia. Saad is accused of striking the 44-year-old when the referee planned to eject him.

A message seeking comment was left for Saad's attorney.