Man bludgeons co-worker to death with sledgehammer over grudge — Photo 82433679 © Jinyoung Lee | Dreamstime.com

Cokato, MN – A man is charged with second-degree murder following the fatal assault of a 20-year-old female co-worker. David Delong, 40, is accused of killing Amber Czech with a sledgehammer at the Advanced Process Technologies building early Tuesday morning.

Surveillance footage shows Delong leaving his workstation and approaching Czech’s station before striking her. He is alleged to have swung the sledgehammer multiple times.

According to the Wright County Sheriff’s Office, Delong confessed to the act, stating he had intended to kill Czech. He reportedly admitted to harboring resentment towards her.

First responders arrived to find Czech deceased on the floor, suffering from severe head trauma and blood loss. A bloody sledgehammer was located near her.

A witness reported that Delong mentioned hitting her with a hammer, indicating Czech’s location. Delong quickly became a suspect in the investigation.

Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes is reviewing the case, with consideration of elevating the charges to first-degree murder. Delong faces up to 40 years in prison and is scheduled for an initial court appearance on November 24.

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