Cokato, Minnesota – A 40-year-old man has been charged with second-degree intentional murder after allegedly killing a coworker with a sledgehammer at a food and dairy processing plant. The horrifying incident, which took place at Advanced Process Technologies, has shocked the Cokato community.
Prosecutors Say the Attack Was Planned
Authorities say David Delong, 40, admitted to killing 20-year-old Amber Czech, claiming he had been planning the attack for some time. According to the criminal complaint, Delong told investigators he had not liked the victim and was upset about a “bad look” she had allegedly given him — not on the day of the attack, but weeks earlier.
Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes described the motive as irrational.
“Apparently, the bad look was some time ago and he just didn’t like her,” Lutes said. “It’s illogical type behavior.”
Surveillance Footage Captured Moments Before the Killing
Sheriff’s deputies responded to the facility around 6 a.m. on Nov. 11, after reports of a woman found at her workstation with severe head trauma. First responders attempted lifesaving measures, but Czech was pronounced dead at the scene.
Surveillance video from the plant shows Czech and Delong passing each other shortly before the attack.
“They actually pass by each other but it doesn’t even appear that they address or engage each other at all,” Lutes told PEOPLE.
After walking away, Delong allegedly put on work gloves, returned to Czech’s workstation, and picked up a sledgehammer.
Lutes described the assault in grim detail, noting that the first strike appeared to be delivered while the victim was standing.
“And then he makes four more swings and they’re very aggressive, violent, forceful swings,” he said.
The actual impact is off-camera, but investigators say the injuries were consistent with repeated blunt-force trauma.
Suspect Allegedly Confessed to Coworkers and Police
Following the attack, Delong allegedly approached a male coworker and confessed:
“I hit her with your hammer, she is by your toolbox, she is gone.”
The coworker then went to the shop floor to verify the situation, after which emergency services were called.
Delong was taken into custody shortly after. According to the complaint, he also confessed during police questioning, stating he intended to kill Czech and had been thinking about it for some time.
Company Shuts Down Operations After Tragedy
Advanced Process Technologies issued a public statement on Nov. 12, expressing shock and grief over the killing.
The company wrote that production has been halted for the remainder of the week, and administrative staff are now working remotely.
“We are heartbroken by yesterday’s tragedy, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends in this terrible moment,” the statement read.
The company also said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement and ensuring mental health support is available to employees.
Delong Held on $2 Million Bail
The accused is being held on $2 million bail and is due to appear in court on Nov. 24. He has not yet entered a plea.
According to the medical examiner, Czech died from severe blunt-force trauma to the head.
The shocking nature of the attack and the lack of any recent conflict between the two coworkers has left investigators and the community searching for answers as the case moves forward.
