JULY 23, 1876 - An attempt to kidnap Daniel Ferrer, Cuban consul in Merida, Mexico, fails, but his bodyguard. Artagnan Diaz dies in the ensuing shootout. Gaspar Jimenez and Orestes Ruiz are arrested.

NOVEMBER 1976 - A convicted felon accuses Gustavo Castillo of knowing beforehand of a Little Havana bombing in which Cuban radio announcer Emilio Milian lost his legs.

JANUARY 1977 - Castillo is detained by FBI and asked to testify in a grand jury probe of Miami-based terrorism. He is later charged with the April 1976 bombing of the University of Miami student union.

FEBRUARY 1977 -Castillo is charged by Mexican authorities in connection with the Merida incident.

MARCH 1977 - Castillo is acquitted of the UM bombing. Jimenez escapes from a Mexican jail and returns to the U.S.

JANUARY 1878 - Jimenez and Castillo are arrested in Miami and held without bond for extradition proceedings to Mexico.

FEBRUARY 1978 - Mayor Maurice Ferre goes to Washington to speak on behalf of Jimenez and Castillo.

JUNE 1978 - U.S. Magistrate Peter Palermo signs extradition order for Jimenez and Castillo.

APRIL 1979 - Orestes Ruiz is sentenced in Mexico to 32 years in connection with the Merida incident.

FEBRUARY 1981 - Jimenez is extradited to Mexico.

APRIL 1981 - Castillo is extradited to Mexico. He is later brought to trial and sentenced to nine years in prison.

FEBRUARY 1982 - Castillo's sentence is reduced to six years.

DECEMBER 1982 - Castillo is freed.