A cold case that had haunted the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office for over five decades has finally been solved. The case involved the homicide of Hiram “Ross” Grayam, a Florida milkman, who was shot execution-style while working in 1968. The breakthrough in the case came when two individuals came forward claiming that the suspect, Thomas J. Williams, had confessed to them before his death in 2016. These new witnesses, who had not come forward earlier out of fear for their safety, helped investigators determine who was responsible for Grayam’s murder.
Hiram Grayam, a decorated World War II veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart, was last seen talking to two males who then got into his truck on the day of his murder. His body and truck were found the next day in a wooded area, leading to a chilling crime scene. Despite 16 separate investigations conducted up until 1974, the case remained unsolved until new information came to light in recent years. In 2006, the case was reopened at the request of a family member, leading to a renewed effort to identify the culprit.
The resolution of the case has brought mixed emotions for the victim’s family, particularly for Larry Grayam, the son of Hiram Grayam. Larry, who was 16 at the time of his father’s death, expressed how the incident devastated his family and influenced his career path towards public safety and photojournalism. The emergence of new witnesses in the case, who were unaware of each other and had not previously come forward due to fear of the suspect, provided crucial information that finally led to the identification of Thomas J. Williams as the perpetrator of the crime.
Following the revelations from these new witnesses, the sheriff’s office was able to piece together the events leading to Hiram Grayam’s murder in 1968. Thomas J. Williams, who had denied involvement in the crime before his death, was now confirmed as the shooter in the case. However, investigators believe there may be another individual who was also involved or has knowledge of the incident and are urging the community to come forward with any additional information. The recent developments in what came to be known as “the milkman homicide” case serve as a beacon of hope for families like the Grayams, ensuring that no victim is forgotten and no crime goes unpunished.
The case of Hiram “Ross” Grayam highlights the importance of perseverance and the role of new witnesses in solving long-standing cold cases. The closure of the oldest cold case in Indian River County Sheriff’s Office history demonstrates the dedication and commitment of law enforcement officials in bringing justice to victims and their families. The resolution of this case, fifty-six years after the tragic murder of a beloved milkman and war veteran, serves as a reminder that justice can prevail even after many years have passed. By coming forward with information and supporting ongoing investigations, the community plays a critical role in ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
