💔 Cokato Tragedy: 40-Year-Old David Delong Charged with Brutal Killing of 20-Year-Old Coworker Amber Czech at Local Processing Facility
The quiet town of Cokato, Minnesota, has been left reeling in grief and disbelief following a horrific act of workplace violence that claimed the life of 20-year-old Amber Czech, a beloved young woman whose bright future was tragically cut short.
According to charges filed in Wright County, 40-year-old David Delong of Watkins, Minnesota, has been formally accused of killing Amber in a brutal assault involving a sledgehammer inside Advanced Process Technologies (APT), a food and dairy processing equipment manufacturer located at 165 Swendra Blvd NE in Cokato. The deadly attack occurred on Tuesday morning, shattering the sense of safety at the local business and sending shockwaves through the small, tight-knit community.
Authorities say the attack unfolded in a matter of moments. Court documents reveal that just before 7:30 a.m., emergency dispatchers received reports of a serious assault inside the facility. When first responders arrived, they found Amber Czech gravely injured. Despite efforts by coworkers and paramedics to save her, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say Delong, who worked alongside Amber, was quickly taken into custody without incident. Surveillance footage and witness statements reportedly confirm that he approached her and struck her multiple times with a sledgehammer in an unprovoked and devastating attack. Authorities have not yet released a motive, though preliminary reports suggest there were no prior documented disputes between the two employees.
Delong is now facing charges of second-degree intentional murder, and prosecutors have indicated that additional charges may follow as the investigation continues. He is being held in the Wright County Jail on a $2 million bond, according to court filings.
The senseless killing has left both the employees of APT and the greater Cokato community grappling with shock, sorrow, and anger. The company, which employs dozens of local residents, has temporarily suspended operations as workers try to process the tragedy that unfolded in their workplace.
“Our hearts are broken,” said an APT representative in a written statement. “Amber was a valued member of our team, a kind and hardworking young woman with an incredible future ahead of her. We are devastated by this loss and are providing counseling and support to our employees as we grieve together.”
Amber Czech, remembered by those who knew her as vibrant, dedicated, and full of promise, had only recently begun her career in welding and fabrication—a field she was deeply passionate about. Friends describe her as a joyful and determined person who brought light to everyone she met.
“Amber was one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever met,” said a former classmate. “She loved what she did and was proud to be a woman in the trades. None of us can make sense of what happened.”
The Wright County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) are continuing to investigate the case, reviewing surveillance footage, conducting forensic analysis, and interviewing witnesses to determine what led to the attack. Authorities have confirmed that the weapon used—a large industrial sledgehammer—was retrieved at the scene.
The tragedy has also reignited calls for stronger workplace safety measures and mental health resources in industrial settings, with local advocates urging employers to remain vigilant and provide support for employees showing signs of distress or instability.
As news of Amber’s death spread, residents of Cokato and nearby communities gathered for a candlelight vigil Tuesday evening, lighting candles and sharing prayers in her honor. Many wore work boots and welding gear to symbolize solidarity with the young tradeswoman whose life was taken far too soon.
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to assist the Czech family with funeral expenses and to celebrate Amber’s memory. Messages from friends and strangers alike have poured in, describing her as a “beautiful soul” and a “hardworking inspiration” who will never be forgotten.
The Wright County Attorney’s Office stated that Delong is expected to make his first court appearance later this week. If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in prison.
As the legal process unfolds, the community of Cokato continues to mourn deeply — not just for the loss of a bright young woman, but for the innocence shattered by a senseless act of violence.
Amber Czech’s memory will live on through the lives she touched, the friendships she built, and the dreams she never got to fulfill. Her light, though extinguished far too soon, will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. 🕊️💐
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