US: Mystery of WWII veteran's murder solved after 50 years
What's the story
The unsolved murder case of Hiram "Ross" Grayam, a World War II veteran and milkman in Florida, has finally been cracked after half a century.
Grayam mysteriously vanished during his regular milk delivery route in April 1968.
His body and abandoned milk truck were later found hidden in a secluded part of the Vero Beach woods.
Grayam, a decorated Second World War veteran who received a Purple Heart, had settled in United States (US)' Indian River County after the war.
New leads
Here's how the case was solved
Despite being shot multiple times, no arrests were made for 50 years following his death.
However, the case experienced a significant turn of events when two individuals came forward following the death of Thomas J Williams, who had confessed to Grayam's murder.
"With the cooperation of witnesses, new leads emerged", Sheriff's office said. "Williams, now deceased, had confessed to Grayam's murder, "his guilt echoing from beyond the grave," it added.
This revelation brought an end to the decades-long mystery.
Final encounter
Victim's last moments and suspect's denial
Grayam, a decorated WWII veteran and beloved milkman, was last seen talking to two men by the roadside before they were all left in his milk truck.
In a detailed statement, Sheriff Eric Flowers said "when they arrived at the initial scene, Grayam was lying next to the milk truck with bullet wounds, killed execution style."
In 2006, rumors implicated Williams in Grayam's murder; however, he denied any involvement in a letter to a local newspaper editor.
Crucial testimonies
Witnesses emerge after suspect's death
Following Williams' death in 2016, detectives received vital information from his former wife and a friend of his sister.
Both witnesses independently claimed that Williams had confessed to them about murdering Grayam.
Police added that the witnesses were scared of Williams and would have never said anything as long as he was alive. "But the fact that he is now dead gave them the courage to come forward," it said.