Vero Beach, Florida – A decades-old mystery surrounding the murder of Hiram “Ross” Grayam, a World War II veteran turned beloved milkman, has finally been solved. Grayam, who survived the Battle of the Bulge and witnessed the liberation of two concentration camps, was tragically shot dead while on his delivery route in 1968.
After years of uncertainty, the Indian River Sheriff’s Office announced that Thomas J. Williams, who passed away in 2016, has been identified as Grayam’s killer. Williams had confessed to the murder before his death, shedding light on the cold case that had long puzzled authorities.
Grayam, a Purple Heart recipient, had moved to Vero Beach with his family in the 1960s and worked as a salesman for Borden Milk Company. On April 11, 1968, he went out on his delivery route but never returned home, sparking a search for answers that would span decades.
A witness recalled seeing Grayam engaging in conversation with two men by the roadside before they entered his truck and drove off. Despite efforts to locate him, Grayam’s body was discovered by a Piper airplane near his vehicle, the victim of an execution-style shooting.
The victim’s son, Larry Grayam, who was only 16 at the time, expressed the profound impact of his father’s murder, describing the devastation of learning about his death. The case remained unsolved until 2006, when a media interview with Larry Grayam led to a significant development.
In 2006, Thomas Williams emerged as a potential suspect after a letter to the editor of a newspaper denying his involvement in the murder. It wasn’t until Williams’ death in 2016 that new evidence came to light, with his ex-wife and a friend of his sister stepping forward to reveal his confession to the crime.
The Sheriff’s Office now seeks information on a second individual believed to be involved in the killing, urging residents with any knowledge to come forward. With advancements in technology and continued dedication, the Cold Case Unit aims to provide closure for families like the Grayams, ensuring that no victim is forgotten and no crime goes unpunished.