David Bruce Delong: Man Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Brutal Sledgehammer Killing of Co-Worker in Cokato, Minnesota
A Minnesota workplace turned into a horrific crime scene on November 11, 2025, after a 20-year-old welder was bludgeoned to death with a sledgehammer by her co-worker. Authorities say the attack was deliberate, violent, and possibly premeditated—leading prosecutors to consider upgrading the charge to first-degree murder.
Suspect Confessed to Planning the Killing
The suspect, David Bruce Delong, 40, of Watkins, Minnesota, has been charged with second-degree intentional murder after admitting to investigators that he killed his co-worker because he “didn’t like” her and had been planning the attack “for some time.”
The victim, Amber Mary Czech, 20, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, was a talented welder who recently graduated from a technical college program. She had worked at Advanced Process Technologies (APT) in Cokato, Minnesota—where the deadly assault occurred.
Chilling Surveillance Footage Captures the Attack
Investigators say Delong walked from his workstation to Czech’s work area around 6 a.m., donned gloves, picked up a sledgehammer from her station, and delivered five brutal blows—one horizontal strike while she was standing, followed by four crushing downward swings after she collapsed.
A co-worker told police Delong approached him immediately afterward and said:
“I hit her with your hammer. She is by your toolbox. She is gone.”
Czech died at the scene from catastrophic blunt-force head trauma.
Incident Details
- Date & Time: November 11, 2025, ~6:00 a.m.
- Location: Advanced Process Technologies, 165 Swendra Boulevard NE, Cokato, MN
- Suspect: David Bruce Delong, 40, Watkins, MN
- Victim: Amber Mary Czech, 20, Hutchinson, MN
- Weapon: Sledgehammer taken from victim’s workstation
- Charges: 2nd-degree intentional murder (possible upgrade to 1st-degree)
- Evidence: Video footage, confession, witness statements, physical evidence
- Next Court Date: November 24, 2025
Prosecutors Consider First-Degree Murder
Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes charged Delong with second-degree murder with intent under Minnesota Statute 609.19.1(1), a felony carrying up to 40 years in prison. However, because Delong appeared to plan the attack—supported by his own confession and surveillance footage—Lutes is evaluating whether to seek a first-degree premeditated murder indictment via a grand jury.
Victim Remembered as a Promising Young Welder
Family, friends, and instructors described Czech as an enthusiastic, gifted welder who had a passion for her craft. She graduated earlier this year from Alexandria Technical & Community College’s welding program and was known for her skill, dedication, and warm personality. Her former school advisor also remembered her as a standout basketball player with a deadly three-point shot.
Company Shuts Down Production, Community in Shock
Advanced Process Technologies halted all production for the week and shifted office staff to remote work. In its public statement, APT said:
“We are heartbroken by yesterday’s tragedy, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends… We are also making sure our employees have the support they need.”
Residents of Cokato and Czech’s hometown of Hutchinson have expressed outrage and grief, with many calling for stronger workplace safety measures and mental health support.
What Happens Next
Delong remains in Wright County custody as prosecutors assess whether to pursue elevated charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for November 24, 2025.
The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover any deeper motive behind the shocking, unprovoked attack.