COKATO, Minn. — A tragic incident unfolded in Minnesota where a woman lost her life following a violent attack at her place of employment, leading to murder charges against a male coworker.

According to details outlined in a criminal complaint, 40-year-old David Bruce Delong is accused of the crime. He allegedly confessed to the police that he harbored negative feelings towards the victim, 20-year-old Amber Czech from Hutchinson, and had premeditated her murder.

Czech’s father shared with KARE 11 that her absence will be deeply felt. Describing her as outgoing and industrious, he noted her willingness to help others and her passion for her welding career, which she pursued since high school.

Amber Czech was a recent graduate of Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC), where she successfully completed a 10-month program in welding technology in the spring of 2024.

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.