A shocking tragedy unfolded in Cokato, Minnesota, where a young woman lost her life in a violent attack at her workplace. Authorities have charged a male coworker in connection with this heinous crime.
According to a criminal complaint issued on Wednesday, 40-year-old David Bruce Delong is accused of fatally attacking 20-year-old Amber Czech with a sledgehammer. Delong allegedly confessed to officials that he harbored a dislike for Czech and had been contemplating her murder for some time.
Amber Czech, a native of Hutchinson, was remembered fondly by her father, who spoke to KARE 11 about her vibrant personality and strong work ethic. He described her as someone who was always willing to lend a hand, loved her job as a welder, and had a passion for her craft that began during her high school years.
Czech pursued her interest in welding at Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC), where she graduated in the spring of 2024. She completed the college’s intensive 10-month welding technology program, leaving a lasting impression on her instructors and peers.
In a heartfelt statement, ATCC praised Czech for embodying the principles of hard work, determination, and professionalism that the institution aims to instill in its students. She was celebrated as an exceptional student who was dedicated to excelling in the welding trade.
In a statement, ATCC said, “she exemplified the qualities we strive to instill in all our students—hard work, determination, and professionalism,” and was known by her instructors and peers as an outstanding student and dedicated to mastering the welding trade.
The Wright County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were dispatched to Advanced Process Technologies around 6 a.m. Tuesday, after a 911 call reporting an employee was found at her work station suffering from “significant head trauma.”
Deputies and paramedics arrived and attempted lifesaving measures, but Czech was pronounced dead at the scene. The initial investigation indicated that a male co-worker, soon identified as Delong, had assaulted her with a blunt object. The suspect was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder on Wednesday.
Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes said in a statement, “I will evaluate this case for a possible charge of 1st degree premeditated murder which requires convening a grand jury.”
Court documents say surveillance video from the workplace shows Delong leaving his work station and walking up to Czech’s work station. He is seen grabbing a sledgehammer and hitting Czech forcefully in the head, and then striking her four more times as she lay on the ground.
After deputies advised him of his rights, Delong allegedly told them he intended to kill Czech, did not like her, and had planned the attack for some time.
Following the news of Czech’s death, Advanced Process Technologies told KARE:
“We are heartbroken by yesterday’s tragedy and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends in this terrible moment. We are also making sure our employees have the support they need and working closely with law enforcement as they continue their investigation.
“Production at the facility has been paused for the remainder of the week and administrative staff are working remotely.”
Delong will appear in court Nov. 24 at 9 a.m.
