After more than five decades, the cold case of Hiram 'Ross' Grayam, a decorated World War II veteran who was murdered execution-style while on his milk delivery route, has finally been solved. Grayam, a Purple Heart recipient who had witnessed the horrors of war, was shot multiple times and his milk truck was found deep in the woods in Vero Beach, Florida, in April 1968.
The breakthrough in the case came this year when the ex-wife of Thomas J. Williams, the killer, came forward with crucial information. She revealed that Williams had confessed to Grayam's killing before his own death in 2016. Additionally, a friend of Williams' sister corroborated the confession, providing independent testimony that solidified the case.
Authorities had long suspected Williams' involvement, with rumors circulating as early as 2006. Williams had denied any knowledge or involvement in the murder in a letter to the editor of a local news outlet. However, the recent testimonies from his ex-wife and her friend have now confirmed his guilt.
Despite this breakthrough, the investigation is ongoing as authorities are still searching for a second man believed to be involved in Grayam's murder. Witnesses reported seeing Grayam talking to two men before they all left together in the milk truck. The motive behind the killing was initially thought to be an armed robbery, as Grayam was known to carry cash during his deliveries.
Grayam's son, Larry, who was 16 at the time of his father's murder, expressed his shock and disbelief upon hearing the news. He recalled the initial investigation and the suspicion that his father had simply run away, a theory he vehemently rejected.
Now, detectives are urging residents of Gifford, the town where Grayam was last seen, to come forward with any information about the second suspect or Grayam's final movements. The Cold Case Unit of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office remains committed to pursuing every lead and ensuring that justice is served for victims like the Grayam family.
While there is hope for further progress in the case, Grayam's son remains cautious, acknowledging the challenges of relying on witness testimony from events that occurred over five decades ago. However, he remains hopeful that additional evidence may come to light, bringing closure to this long-standing mystery.
