Authorities: Planned workplace attack leaves young Minnesota woman dead, coworker charged

COKATO, Minn. — A woman is dead after a brutal assault at her workplace in Minnesota, and a male coworker is charged with the killing. 

Prosecutors detail the allegations in a criminal complaint filed early Wednesday against 40-year-old David Bruce Delong, who reportedly told authorities he did not like the woman — identified as 20-year-old Amber Czech, of Hutchinson — and had planned to kill her for some time. 

Her father told KARE 11 that she will be greatly missed. He said she was outgoing, a hard worker, helped anyone in need and loved her job as a welder. He said she got into welding while she was in high school.

Czech attended Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) and graduated in spring 2024. There, she completed the college’s 10-month welding technology program. 

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.