Wright County ( trfnews.i234.me ) – A man from Watkins is charged with killing a co-worker at a Cokato business, and investigators say he admitted he had been planning the attack. The victim has been identified by family members as 20-year-old Amber Czech of Hutchinson.
According to the Wright County Attorney’s Office, 40-year-old David Bruce Delong is charged with second-degree murder. He remains held in the Wright County Jail. Delong made his first appearance by video on Wednesday.
Victim Found With Severe Injuries
Deputies responded to a 911 call around 6 a.m. Tuesday at Advanced Process Technologies in Cokato. The caller reported an injured woman with major head trauma and heavy blood loss.
Emergency responders attempted life-saving care, but Czech died at the scene.
A bloody sledgehammer was found near Czech’s workstation. Investigators said evidence showed she had suffered a blow to the head.
Suspect Reportedly Admitted Planning the Killing
The criminal complaint states that Delong admitted to the killing. He allegedly told officers he had been “planning to kill the victim for some time.”
According to the complaint, Delong also told a male co-worker something to the effect of, “I hit her with your hammer. She is by your toolbox. She is gone.”
Security video showed Delong leaving his work area and walking toward Czech’s station. The footage shows him pick up a sledgehammer and swing horizontally toward her. Czech is out of view in the video. Delong then swung the hammer four more times toward the ground, according to investigators.
Possible First-Degree Charge Under Review
Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes said he is reviewing the case for a possible first-degree premeditated murder charge. That charge would require a grand jury.
Bail was set at $5 million, or $2 million with conditions.
Company and Community Respond
Advanced Process Technologies released a public statement calling the death “a tragic event” and said the company is helping employees and Czech’s family. They also stated they are cooperating with investigators.
Czech’s family and friends have created a memorial fundraiser on GoFundMe. It had raised more than $19,000 by Friday afternoon.
Her memorial page describes Czech as a dedicated welder with a strong work ethic. The page notes she had a positive personality and touched many lives through her work and friendships.
For more information about Minnesota court procedures, visit the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.