LIVONIA—Kris Bieniewicz,
the widow of slain soccer referee John Bieniewicz, has filed a $51 million
lawsuit against Bassel Abdul-Amir Saad.

The lawsuit comes less than a
month after a judge sentenced Saad to 8-15 years in prison for the punch that
killed 44-year-old John Bieniewicz. On March 13, Saad was charged with
involuntary manslaughter in Bieniewicz’s death.

On June 29, 2014 Saad fatally punched Bieniewicz
during a soccer game at Mies Park.

Kris Bieniewicz said the figure
represents $1 million for each of the 51 additional years that her husband
would have lived. The Michigan United Soccer League is also named in the
lawsuit and is accused of allowing Saad to continue play despite having a
reputation for being a violent player.

In addition to his widow,
Bieniewicz also left behind two children.