Wright County Attorney Brian Lutes has filed a second-degree intentional murder charge against David Bruce Delong for the death of a female co-worker at a business in Cokato. The incident, which tragically unfolded on November 11, 2025, has led to the consideration of elevating the charge to first-degree premeditated murder, pending a grand jury review. In a statement released by the attorney's office, Delong is set to appear in court, where bail and conditions will be determined. The criminal complaint associated with this case is publicly available and has been provided along with Lutes' statement.
The official documents reveal that on the morning of the murder, Wright County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Thompson responded to a distressing 911 call, discovering the victim with severe head injuries at Advanced Process Technologies in Cokato. According to the criminal complaint, the surveillance video from the location captured Delong, who was also an employee at the facility, as to grabbed a sledgehammer and struck the victim multiple times, resulting in her death. Delong later confessed to the killing, admitting his intent to murder the victim, as detailed in the complaint filed in Wright County District Court.
"I hit her with your hammer, she is by your toolbox, she is gone," Delong reportedly said to 'witness 1,' as per the court documents. This admission, along with the video evidence and Delong's own confession, forms the backbone of the investigation that led to the charges. Deputy Kevin Olson and County Attorney Brian Anthony Lutes electronically signed the complaint, concluding that there is probable cause for Delong's arrest and subsequent trial for the alleged offences.
Judge Geoffrey Tenney has since ordered an Order of Detention, requiring that Delong continue to be detained, subject to bail or conditions of release. Details of the bail amount or any conditions of release have not been disclosed at this time. The return of service by law enforcement confirmed Delong has been served with this order. Public records indicate that, should Delong fail to appear in response to the summons, a warrant for his arrest may be issued.
For those seeking more information on the criminal complaint and the official statement, they are available to view on the Wright County website.
