Solving the Decades-Old Mystery of a WWII Veteran Milkman's Murder
After 56 years, the long-standing mystery surrounding the disappearance and murder of a WWII veteran milkman in Florida has finally been unraveled. This breakthrough marks the closure of the oldest cold case in the history of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.
Fifty-six years later, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office finally solved the oldest cold case in its history. A milkman named Hiram “Ross” Grayam was fatally shot in 1968 while working, and his killer had remained unidentified until now.
The breakthrough in the case came when two individuals came forward claiming that the suspect had confessed to them. This crucial information helped investigators piece together the events leading to Grayam's death and ultimately solve the long-standing mystery.
Larry Grayam, the son of the victim, was 16 years old when his father passed away. He shared that the conclusion of the case has stirred up various feelings within him.
"It was a heartbreaking experience for my family when I was younger. It influenced me to pursue a career in public safety and also led me to work as a photojournalist," Larry Grayam expressed.
Hiram Grayam, a 47-year-old married father of three from Vero Beach and a Purple Heart recipient, was last seen by a witness talking to two males who then got into his truck, Sheriff Eric Flowers shared at a news conference on Thursday.
Barbara Tucker
Barbara Tucker
Tucker Family/Gresham Police Department
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Flowers added that the witness mentioned Mr. Grayam engaging them in conversation and informing them of his quick return. The following day, both Grayam's body and truck were discovered in a wooded area, which the sheriff's office described as a "chilling scene" in a statement.
Flowers stated that over the years that followed, there were a total of 16 separate investigations conducted until April 1974 in an attempt to resolve the case.
In 2006, the case was reopened after a family member requested it. The victim's family spoke to the media, which led to the suspected killer, Thomas J. Williams, writing a letter to the editor of a local newspaper. In the letter, he denied being involved in the killing, according to Flowers.
During a news conference, Larry Grayam mentioned that Williams was not initially a suspect. However, after writing the letter and drawing attention to himself, he became a suspect in the crime.
Williams passed away in 2016, but two individuals claimed that before his death, he admitted to them that he had murdered Grayam, as stated by the sheriff.
According to the sheriff's office, investigators were informed in February 2022 by a jail inmate that Williams had confided in him. The inmate was identified as a member of Williams' family.
After receiving the information, detectives found the suspect's ex-wife, who confirmed that Williams had confessed to her, according to Flowers.
The sheriff's office mentioned that the two people who knew about the confession were independent witnesses who were previously afraid to come forward because Williams had threatened them. These witnesses also stated that the suspect had been arrested and convicted multiple times for other offenses, the sheriff's office reported.
"We believe Thomas Williams is the shooter in this case, but we are aware that there is another person who knows what happened on that day. We know who he is, and we urge someone from the community to come forward with more information," Flowers stated.
The sheriff's office described the progress in the "milkman homicide" case as rays of hope for families like the Grayams. This ensures that every victim is remembered and every crime is brought to justice.
Cara Lynn Clarkson contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The resolution of the oldest cold case in Indian River County's history evokes a bittersweet symphony of emotions. While the family of Hiram Grayam finds closure after 56 long years, the chilling details of his murder continue to haunt. The confession of Thomas J. Williams, revealed through the courage of two witnesses, brings a sense of justice, but the realization that another individual remains at large casts a shadow over the triumph.
The tireless efforts of law enforcement over decades, coupled with the bravery of those who came forward, are a testament to the enduring commitment to justice. The case serves as a reminder that even in the face of time's passage, the pursuit of truth and accountability remains paramount. It also highlights the importance of community involvement, as the final breakthrough came from witnesses who overcame their fear to share their knowledge. May the resolution of this cold case inspire hope for other families seeking closure and serve as a beacon of justice for all victims of unsolved crimes.
