SAN DIEGO (CNS) - DNA evidence led authorities to two men accused of robbing and fatally shooting two San Diego-based sailors more than 18 years ago in an area of Otay Mesa popular for after-hours drinking and bonfires, a prosecutor said Wednesday.

Edward Jesus Elias and Leopoldo Castro Chavez II, both 36, are each charged with two counts of murder in the Sept. 25, 1993, deaths of 20-year-old Eugene "Cliff" Ellis and 23-year-old Keith Combs. The victims were stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation.

In her opening statement, Deputy District Attorney Andrea Freshwater said Chavez and Elias robbed the victims of their wallets and ID then "executed both of them needlessly." Ellis' new Toyota pickup truck was also stolen, the prosecutor said.

Defense attorney Dan Tandon told jurors that Chavez came upon the victims' bodies, went through their pockets, and drove off in Ellis' truck.

"Although death is a tragedy, it's an opportunity for some," the defense attorney said in his opening statement. "Mr. Chavez didn't kill those young men. He took from their bodies."

Elias' attorney, Jeff Martin, said he would give an opening statement when the defense case started.

According to the prosecution, both victims were shot three times from close range -- Combs in the back, side of the head and back of the head, and Ellis in the chest, temple and side of the head.

Their bodies were found about 20 feet apart around 7 a.m. in an area east of Palm Avenue and Interstate 805, where they had gone to have a bonfire and drink beer with other Navy personnel. Evidence showed that Ellis struggled with his killers, Freshwater said.

The prosecutor said Ellis and Combs went to the remote and rugged area about 1:30 a.m. after going to a bar popular with Navy personnel.

A witness recalled a car pulling up to the bonfire area around 4 a.m., with two "smart asses" laughing in the back seat, she said.

More here:
Prosecutor: DNA led police to pair accused in 1993 murder, robbery of two Navy sailors