The small town of Cokato, Minnesota has been shaken after the horrifying murder of 20‑year‑old Amber Mary Czech, a promising young welder, at her workplace early Tuesday morning. The tragedy took place inside Advanced Process Technologies, a food and dairy processing facility on Swendra Boulevard NE, where Amber’s life was brutally ended by a co‑worker.
Around 6 a.m., deputies from the Wright County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched following a 911 call that a woman had suffered “major head trauma and significant blood loss” at her workstation. First responders found Amber critically injured and despite emergency efforts she was pronounced dead at the scene. A bloody sledgehammer was found nearby.
Investigators say the attacker is 40‑year‑old David Bruce DeLong, from Watkins, Minnesota, also employed at the facility. Surveillance video captured him walking from his own station, grabbing a sledgehammer, and violently attacking Amber — first when she was standing, then four more strikes after she fell to the floor.
Court documents state that DeLong later told deputies he did not like Amber and admitted that he had been planning her death for some time. He allegedly told a fellow employee, “I hit her with your hammer. She is by your toolbox. She is gone.” He currently faces one count of second‑degree murder (up to 40 years behind bars), but the prosecution says the charge could be upgraded to first‑degree murder due to evidence of pre‑meditation.
Amber’s family and community are stunned by the loss of someone so full of promise. At just 20, she was described as devoted to her craft, proud of her job and always eager to learn. Her former coach from Hutchinson High School remembered her as a determined athlete, known for her signature three‑point shot and her work ethic on and off the court.
The company issued a public statement saying, “We are heartbroken by yesterday’s tragedy, and our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends in this terrible moment… Production at the facility has been paused for the remainder of the week, and administrative staff are working remotely.” They said they are cooperating fully with law enforcement and offering support to employees.
As investigators continue their work, the town of Cokato is mourning. Amber’s death has sparked conversations about workplace violence, employee safety, and the ripple effect one act of violence can send through a community. For everyone who knew her — and even those who didn’t — Amber’s light has been extinguished far too soon.
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