After 56 years, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office has closed the oldest cold case in its history by solving the homicide of Hiram “Ross” Grayam, a World War II veteran. Grayam, a decorated Purple Heart recipient and a father of three, was fatally shot execution-style while working on April 11, 1968.
The breakthrough in the case came with the emergence of two individuals who claimed that the suspect, Thomas J. Williams, had confessed to them about the killing before his death in 2016. These witnesses, who had not come forward earlier due to fear for their safety, provided crucial information that led to the resolution of the case.
Grayam's son, Larry Grayam, who was 16 at the time of his father's death, expressed mixed emotions upon the case's closure. He mentioned how the tragedy had devastated his family and influenced his career path towards public safety and photojournalism.
The investigation revealed that Grayam was last seen talking to two males who then got into his truck on the day of the incident. His body and truck were later found in a wooded area, painting a chilling scene for investigators.
Despite 16 previous investigations conducted between 1968 and 1974, the case remained unsolved until 2006 when it was reopened at the request of a family member. The involvement of the media and a letter to the editor from the suspected killer, Williams, played a significant role in reigniting interest in the case.
Following recent tips from an inmate in the jail and Williams' ex-wife, detectives were able to confirm Williams as the primary suspect in Grayam's murder. However, authorities believe there may be another individual with crucial information about the case and urge the community to come forward.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the resolution of the 'milkman homicide' case serves as a beacon of hope for families like the Grayams, ensuring that no victim is forgotten and no crime goes unpunished.
