Man in custody over women's murders in two states

A West Australian man is in custody after a joint investigation between WA and Victoria Police into the murder of two women.

Victorian detectives interviewed Darren Chalmers in relation to the cold case murder of Annette Steward in Geelong West in 1992.  

Detectives from the WA Police Homicide Squad also interviewed the 52-year-old as part of their investigation into the 2019 disappearance of 59-year-old Medina woman, Dianne Barrett.

Ms Barrett's body was found yesterday in Karrakup, southeast of Perth after she disappeared in May.

After making further enquiries, police charged Chalmers, who was Ms Barrett's neighbour in Medina, over the alleged murder.

Neighbours said that Chalmers was getting ready to move from the Medina property when police made the arrest.

Victoria Police have not yet laid charges over Ms Steward's murder, but they did confirm they are not seeking anyone else in relation to the 29-year-old mother's death.

Barrett appeared in court in WA today and was refused bail until his next court appearance in February.

Annette Steward was found dead in her Hope Street, Geelong West home on March 18, 1992.

In 2015, Victoria Police offered a $1 million reward for information into Ms Steward's death.

Dianne Barrett's remains were found in bushland off Nettleton Road, Karrakup, about 50 kilometres southeast of Perth.

She went missing in May last year.