COKATO, MN — November 12, 2025. A quiet morning at a Minnesota manufacturing facility turned into a scene of horror when David Bruce Delong, 40, allegedly bludgeoned his 20-year-old co-worker, Amber Mary Czech of Hutchinson, to death with a sledgehammer. Authorities describe the attack as premeditated and captured on surveillance cameras, igniting national outrage over workplace violence.

Brutal Attack at Advanced Process Technologies

According to Wright County officials, the assault occurred around 6 a.m. inside Advanced Process Technologies, a food processing equipment manufacturer in Cokato. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Delong putting on gloves, grabbing a sledgehammer, and striking Czech multiple times — once while she stood, and four more times after she collapsed.

Deputies arrived within minutes after a 911 call reported severe head trauma. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, Czech was pronounced dead at the scene, her injuries described as “catastrophic.” The sledgehammer, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered nearby.

Confession and Arrest

Delong, a resident of Watkins, Minnesota, was arrested without resistance. He allegedly told a witness, “I hit her with your hammer. She is by your toolbox. She is gone,” before confessing to police that he had planned the killing “for some time” because he “didn’t like” the victim.

He now faces second-degree murder charges, carrying a potential 40-year prison sentence, though prosecutors may pursue first-degree charges due to evidence of premeditation. Delong remains in custody on $2 million bail, with a court appearance scheduled for November 13.

Remembering Amber Mary Czech

Amber Czech, a talented welder and basketball standout from Hutchinson, was widely admired for her work ethic and bright personality. Her family described her as “passionate about her craft” and “a light in every room.”

Dennis Piechowski, Czech’s former basketball coach, recalled her competitive spirit:

“She was a sharpshooter and a hard worker — always pushing herself to be better. This loss is beyond words.”

Her family has vowed to honor her memory by advocating for stronger workplace safety measures and awareness of employee conflict resolution.

Community in Shock

The killing has devastated the tight-knit town of Cokato (population ~2,900). Advanced Process Technologies has suspended operations for the week, offering counseling services to employees and issuing a statement expressing heartbreak over the tragedy.

Experts say workplace homicides, while rare, remain a persistent concern — averaging 450–500 incidents annually across the U.S., according to federal labor statistics. In Minnesota alone, reports show nearly 1,000 workplace assaults each year.

Legal Outlook and Investigation

Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes confirmed investigators are reviewing evidence for first-degree murder consideration:

“He acknowledged that he intended to kill the victim. This level of planning suggests premeditation.”

Prosecutors are also examining whether prior tensions between Delong and Czech were reported internally. The facility remains under review by OSHA and local law enforcement as case #25031532 continues.

A Tragic Reminder

The murder of Amber Mary Czech stands as a chilling reminder of the dangers of unresolved workplace hostility. As the legal process unfolds, her family and community seek justice — and a renewed commitment to preventing such senseless violence.