Medical examiner: Death of referee who was punched at soccer match is ruled homicide

DETROIT – The medical examiner's office says the death of a referee who was punched at a Detroit-area soccer match was a homicide.

According to Wayne County medical examiner's spokeswoman Mary Mazur, an autopsy on John Bieniewicz (BEN'-uh-wits) was conducted Thursday.

It found that he died of blunt force trauma to the neck.

Livonia police say a 36-year-old Dearborn man punched Bieniewicz during an adult-league game Sunday. Bieniewicz died Tuesday.

Prosecutors have charged Baseel Abdul-Amir Saad of Dearborn with assault with intent to do great bodily harm.

The county prosecutor's office says the charges will be reviewed and possibly amended when it has the necessary documentation.

Defense Brian Berry lawyer says his client is innocent.