Coworker Accused of Sledgehammer Murder in Cokato, MN

On November 11, 2025, a tragic workplace violence incident unfolded in Cokato, Minnesota. David Bruce Delong, a 40-year-old man, has been accused of brutally murdering his female coworker, Amber Czech, using a sledgehammer.

According to the charging documents, Delong confessed to the killing, stating that he did not like the victim and had been planning to kill her for some time. The Wright County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call at 6 a.m. on the day of the incident, where they found the 20-year-old victim suffering from "major head trauma with significant blood loss." A bloody sledgehammer was found near her body.

Amber Czech's family has identified her as the victim, describing her as an "amazing welder" who was passionate about her job at Advanced Process Technologies, where she and Delong worked together. The incident has raised concerns about workplace safety, with the victim's family expressing a desire to raise awareness about workplace violence.

Delong has been charged with second-degree intentional murder, which carries a potential maximum sentence of 40 years. Prosecutors are also considering upgrading the charge to first-degree premeditated murder upon further evaluation of the case.

The tragic event has deeply impacted the Cokato community, and the victim's family, friends, and coworkers are left to grieve this devastating loss.