Florida milkman's 1968 execution-style murder case resolved after 2 people revealed killer's confession

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA: The resolution of the cold case involving a Florida milkman who vanished after completing his rounds has been solved.

The resolution of the 1968 cold case came after two individuals came forward to report the suspect's confession, which facilitated investigators in identifying the individual responsible for the murder of Hiram 'Ross' Grayam

Grayam, a decorated World War II veteran, was fatally shot execution-style while on duty on April 11, 1968, according to statements from the sheriff’s office.

What did Sheriff Eric Flowers claim during the news conference?

Hiram Grayam, aged 47, a married father of three residing in Vero Beach and a Purple Heart recipient, was last sighted by a witness conversing with two males who then entered his truck, revealed Sheriff Eric Flowers during a Thursday news conference.

Flowers further elaborated, "The witness recounted that Mr. Grayam engaged in conversation with them and mentioned he would return shortly."

The following day, Grayam's body and truck were discovered in a wooded area, described as a "disturbing scene," according to a statement from the sheriff's office.

Flowers stated that over the ensuing years, 16 distinct investigations were conducted up to April 1974 in an endeavor to unravel the case.

Investigators received killer Thomas J William's confession

In 2006, a family member's request prompted the reopening of the case, as CNN reported.

Following media interviews with the victim’s family, Thomas J Williams, the suspected killer, penned a letter to the editor of a local newspaper, denying involvement despite being accused, as disclosed by Flowers.

Hiram Grayam's son Larry, who was 16 at the time of his father’s death, remarked during the news conference, "At that point, he wasn’t on anybody’s radar, He kind of interjected himself into the crime and became a suspect."

Two anonymous witnesses disclosed that before Williams died in 2016, he confessed to them about killing Grayam, as stated by the sheriff.

The sheriff’s office received a tip-off in February 2022 from an inmate in their jail, who revealed Williams' confession.

According to the sheriff, the inmate was a relative of Williams.

Upon receiving this information, detectives located the suspect's ex-wife, who also confirmed Williams' confession, Flowers mentioned.

The sheriff’s office emphasized that the two witnesses who were aware of the confession were independent and had not come forward earlier due to fear for their safety, as Williams had allegedly threatened them.

These witnesses disclosed that the suspect had been arrested and convicted multiple times on other charges, added the sheriff’s office.

Flowers stated, "Thomas Williams, we believe is our shooter in this case… but we know there’s another person out there that knows what happened on that day. We know who he is, and we want someone to come forward from the community to give us more information about that," 

The sheriff’s office described the developments in 'the milkman homicide' case as “stand as beacons of hope for families like the Grayams, ensuring that no victim is forgotten, and no crime is unpunished..”

Larry Grayam, expressed mixed emotions following the resolution of the case, "It devastated my family as a young kid, and caused me to actually lead a life of public safety and work as a photojournalist as well."