Norwich — Results of the autopsies done last fall on African American artist Ellis Ruley and his son-in-law Douglas Harris, both of whom died under mysterious circumstances, will be released during a press conference at 4 p.m. Monday at Norwich City Hall.

Ruley, a self-taught artist, died Jan. 16, 1959. His body was found in the road at the bottom of the long driveway at his 28 Hammond Ave. home.

Eleven years earlier, Ruley’s son-in-law, Harris, died on the property in even more suspicious circumstances. His body was found Nov. 20, 1948, head-first in a narrow, shallow well on the property. Without an autopsy, Harris’ death was ruled accidental drowning.

PBS documentary filmmaker Glenn Palmedo-Smith coordinated an effort last fall to have the two bodies exhumed for new autopsies conducted at The William W. Backus Hospital by nationally known forensic scientist Dr. Michael Baden, retired chief medical examiner for New York state.

Palmedo-Smith and Baden both are expected to attend Monday's press conference to release the findings with a slideshow to depict details of the investigation.

Norwich police have said they will conduct a cold case investigation if the deaths were determined to be suspicious.

Immediately following the autopsies last fall, Baden said he found “cause for concern” on Harris' body, while the autopsy on Ruley revealed no immediate signs of trauma pending further investigation.

Monday's press conference will come as city officials are preparing to honor Ruley formally for the first time, with plans to create a park on his former property — taken by the city for back taxes in 1988 — and to launch a student arts class scholarship program in Ruley's name.

Palmedo-Smith is working on a PBS documentary on Ruley's life, death and legacy set to air next February during Black History Month. The autopsy results and the city's renewed interest in Ruley will be part of the film, he said.

c.bessette@theday.com

Twitter: @Bessettetheday