The oldest cold case in Indian River County Sheriff’s Office history, the murder of Hiram “Ross” Grayam, has been solved 56 years after the crime occurred. Grayam, a former milkman and WWII veteran, was found fatally shot execution style while working in 1968. The breakthrough in the case came from two people who came forward claiming that the suspect, Thomas J. Williams, confessed to them before his death in 2016. The emergence of these witnesses led to the closure of this long-standing case that had haunted Grayam’s family for decades.
Larry Grayam, the victim’s son, who was only 16 years old at the time of his father’s death, expressed mixed emotions upon hearing the news of the case being solved. He mentioned that the tragedy devastated his family when he was young and influenced his career path towards public safety and photojournalism. The resolution of the case has brought a sense of closure to the Grayam family, finally providing answers to the questions that had lingered for over five decades.
According to Sheriff Eric Flowers, Hiram Grayam was last seen talking to two males who then got into his truck before he was killed. The body and truck were later found in a wooded area, painting a grim picture of the crime scene. Despite multiple investigations that were carried out in the years following the murder, it wasn’t until 2022 that the case was ultimately solved with the help of new evidence and witness testimonies.
The case was reopened in 2006 at the request of a family member, leading to further investigations and exposure of the suspect. Thomas J. Williams, who had denied his involvement in the killing in a letter to a local newspaper, was identified as the perpetrator based on the recent confessions from two independent witnesses. Both individuals had refrained from coming forward earlier due to fear for their safety as Williams had allegedly threatened them in the past.
The sheriff’s office emphasized the importance of community involvement in solving cases like the “milkman homicide,” urging anyone with additional information to come forward. While Williams is believed to be the main perpetrator of the crime, there may be others who have more knowledge about what truly happened that day in 1968. The closure of this cold case serves as a beacon of hope for families like the Grayams, ensuring that victims are not forgotten and crimes are not left unpunished.
In conclusion, the resolution of the Hiram Grayam case marks a significant milestone in the history of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, closing the oldest cold case on record. The perseverance of investigators, combined with the bravery of witnesses who came forward after decades of silence, brought justice to the Grayam family and shed light on a dark chapter from the past. The legacy of Hiram Grayam, a decorated WWII veteran and beloved father, will now be remembered with closure and a sense of justice served after 56 years.
