A tragic incident unfolded in Minnesota as a man stands accused of fatally attacking his colleague with a sledgehammer. The unsettling event took place on a Tuesday at Advanced Process Technologies in Cokato.

Upon arriving at the scene, Wright County police discovered 20-year-old Amber Czech suffering from severe head injuries and extensive blood loss, lying next to a blood-stained sledgehammer. This grim discovery set the stage for a chilling investigation.

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old David Bruce Delong, was captured on surveillance footage. The footage allegedly shows Delong leaving his own workstation and approaching Czech’s area, where he is accused of brutally striking her until she collapsed. These details were reported by North Wright County Today.

In a disturbing admission, Delong reportedly informed a fellow employee, “I hit her with your hammer. She is by your toolbox. She is gone.” This statement further deepened the horror of the attack.

According to KARE, Delong later confessed to law enforcement officers, after being read his rights, that he harbored a strong dislike for Czech and had been planning her murder for some time. This revelation paints a harrowing picture of premeditated violence.

Delong, who appeared in court on Wednesday, is charged with second-degree murder.

North Wright County Today reported that Advanced Press Technologies produces tanks and various equipment for dairy farms throughout the state.

“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,” the company said in a statement issued to CBS.

“Production at the facility has been paused for the remainder of the week, and administrative staff are working remotely.”

[Feature Photo: Facebook; Wright County police]