TIMELINE

* July 6, 1997 -- Pegye Bechler is reported missing after a day of

boating with her husband, Eric, who told authorities his wife was thrown

out of their rented powerboat by a large wave. U.S. Coast Guard crews

searched through the night, but found no sign of the 38-year-old mother

of three.

* July 7, 1997 -- The investigation is turned over to the Orange County

Sheriff’s Department, although officials would not say her presumed death

involved foul play. A reenactment of the accident according to Eric

Bechler’s account was conducted.

* July 21, 1997 -- Two weeks after Pegye Bechler was reported missing,

authorities have found no evidence of her presumed death. Officials say

there is a chance her body will never be found.

* July 24, 1997 -- Friends and family members gather at Crystal Cove for

an emotional memorial service. Pegye Bechler’s cause of death is listed

as “lost at sea.”

* Aug. 6, 1997 -- A Navy submarine scours the sea floor to depths of

1,600 feet in search of Pegye Bechler’s remains, but finds nothing.

* July 6, 1998 -- One year later, authorities are still investigating the

boating accident. Eric Bechler, saying “I’m still in limbo,” had yet to

collect money from his wife’s insurance policy.

* Oct. 29, 1999 -- Eric Bechler is picked up by authorities at a Del Taco

restaurant in Seal Beach.

* Nov. 1, 1999 -- Orange County District Attorney’s Office files charges

against Eric Bechler for the murder of his wife, with a special

circumstance charge that the crime was committed for financial gain.