After 56 years, authorities announced that they have solved the cold case murder of Hiram “Ross” Grayam, a decorated World War II veteran who was killed “execution-style” in the Florida woods in 1968. Grayam, who became a milkman after his service in Europe, failed to return from his regular delivery route on April 11, 1968. The last person to see him was a girl who reported seeing two gunmen in his milk truck before he disappeared. A search was launched, and his body was found deep in the woods, shot multiple times, along with his truck. Despite extensive efforts, his killer remained at large for many years.
The case was re-opened by the sheriff’s office Cold Cast Unit, and new leads emerged after the accounts of two witnesses were re-examined. Thomas J. Williams, who had already passed away, had confessed to Grayam’s murder, according to the sheriff’s office. The case gained momentum in 2006 when Grayam’s son, Larry Grayam, did an interview with a local media outlet where Thomas Williams was identified as a potential suspect. Williams denied the accusations at the time but later confessed to killing the milkman to multiple individuals.
In February 2022, an inmate at Indian River County Jail, who was related to Williams, told detectives that Williams had confessed to him that he killed the milkman in 1968. Additionally, in December 2023, detectives spoke with a woman in Miami who had been married to Williams, and she recounted the same confession. Flowers noted that these witnesses only came forward after Williams had passed away, as they felt safe to speak out. The identity of a second suspect is known to detectives, but they did not disclose a name.
The announcement of the case being solved was described as “bittersweet” by Larry Grayam, who said he is pleased that closure has been achieved. Grayam was remembered as a “beloved milkman” and a decorated veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart for his service. The sheriff’s office commended the determination of the Cold Case Unit and the cooperation of witnesses that led to the resolution of the case after more than five decades. Flowers emphasized the significance of the two independent witnesses who both stated that Williams had confessed to them, providing critical evidence in the case.
The investigation into Grayam’s murder, which had gone cold for many years, was reignited by new information and witness cooperation. The previously unidentified suspect, now known to detectives, played a key role in the case being solved. The sheriff’s office highlighted the importance of individuals coming forward with information, even years after the crime occurred. The resolution of the case brought closure to Grayam’s family and the community, who had been haunted by the unsolved murder for over half a century. Grayam’s legacy as a respected veteran and milkman lives on, now with justice finally served in his case.
