After 56 years, the oldest cold case in Indian River County Sheriff’s Office history has finally been solved. The case of Hiram “Ross” Grayam, a Florida milkman who was fatally shot execution style in 1968, has been closed thanks to the emergence of two individuals who say the suspect confessed to them.
Hiram Grayam, a decorated World War II veteran and father of three, was last seen talking to two males who then got into his truck on April 11, 1968. The next day, his body and truck were found in a wooded area in a chilling scene. Despite 16 separate investigations over the years, the case remained unsolved until recently.
In 2006, the case was reopened at the request of a family member, leading to new developments. The suspected killer, Thomas J. Williams, denied involvement in the killing but later confessed to two individuals before his death in 2016. These witnesses came forward after being tipped off by an inmate in the sheriff’s office jail, who was a member of Williams’ family.
Sheriff Eric Flowers expressed gratitude for the closure of the case, but also called for more information from the community. He believes there is another person who knows what happened on the day of the murder and urges them to come forward.
The resolution of the “milkman homicide” case brings closure to the Grayam family and serves as a beacon of hope for other families seeking justice for their loved ones. The sheriff’s office is committed to ensuring that no victim is forgotten and no crime goes unpunished.