Sledgehammer-wielding maniac allegedly bludgeoned female co-worker to death

A horrifying incident unfolded at Advanced Process Technologies in Cokato, Minnesota, as a deranged man, David Bruce Delong, allegedly bludgeoned his female co-worker, Amber Czech, to death with a sledgehammer. The brutal attack, which occurred around 6 a.m. on Monday, shocked the community and left Czech, a 20-year-old welder, dead from blunt force trauma and blood loss.

Delong, 40, reportedly confessed to police that he had been planning the heinous attack for some time. Surveillance footage captured him leaving his workstation and approaching Czech before grabbing the sledgehammer and striking her in the head. The victim fell to the floor as Delong continued to strike her four more times, leaving her lifeless body next to the bloody weapon.

In a chillingly cold manner, Delong informed another employee, “I hit her with your hammer, she is by your toolbox, she is gone,” after the brutal assault. Authorities found Czech’s body at the scene, with Delong admitting to not liking the victim and harboring a desire to kill her.

Czech, a dedicated and hardworking individual, was remembered by her father as an outgoing young woman who always lent a helping hand to others. She had a passion for welding, which she developed in high school and pursued further by attending Alexandria Technical & Community College, where she graduated from a welding technology program in 2024.

The community and the company, Advanced Process Technologies, are reeling from the tragedy. Production at the facility has been paused for the week, with administrative staff working remotely as police continue their investigation into Czech’s murder. The company expressed condolences for the loss and stated that they are supporting their employees and the victim’s family during this difficult time.

Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes intends to seek an upgraded first-degree premeditated murder charge against Delong, who is currently in custody and scheduled to appear in court on November 24. The incident has left a deep impact on the community, with many demanding justice for Czech and her untimely death.