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3d ago

Cokato Worker Charged in Sledgehammer Killing as Prosecutors Weigh First-Degree Count

Bail is set at up to $5 million following surveillance video that investigators say captured the attack.

David Bruce Delong (left) has been charged in connection with the death of his co-worker Amber Czech (right).
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Overview

  • David Delong, 40, is charged with second-degree murder in the killing of co-worker Amber Czech, 20, at Advanced Process Technologies in Cokato early Tuesday.
  • Charging documents say security footage shows Delong take a sledgehammer at Czech’s workstation and swing multiple times, then tell a colleague, “I hit her with your hammer.”
  • Investigators report Delong confessed, saying he did not like Czech and had planned to kill her for some time.
  • A judge set bail at $5 million unconditional or $2 million with conditions, with the next court hearing scheduled for Nov. 24.
  • Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes is evaluating a first-degree premeditated murder charge that could require a grand jury, and the company paused production while providing employee support.