Police have charged 48-year-old Kewdale man Bradley Robert Edwards with the murders of Ciara Glennon and Jane Rimmer and attacks on two teenagers in 1995 and 1988.
Mr Edwards was arrested on Thursday night at home then charged in the early hours, Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan announced on Friday.
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Man charged over Claremont serial killings
There has been a significant breakthrough in the long running investigation into a series of abductions and murders in the 1990s in Claremont. Vision courtesy ABC News 24.
He appeared in court almost immediately afterward charged with murder, abduction and sexual assault and was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on January 11.
The investigation into the 1990s Claremont killings, codenamed Macro, expanded to include other serious crimes in more recent years.
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"This has already been the biggest and most complex police investigation in WA history. Hundreds of police officers have worked on this case over the past 20 years," he said.
"Operation Macro has been a massive body of work involving thousands and thousands of investigative actions.
"The commitment of the WA police and its officers have never wavered, we never give up.
"I want to pay tribute to the Spiers, Rimmer and Glennon families and the victim of the 1995 attack for their patience, understanding and support during the investigation."
The accused will appear at Perth Magistrates Court on Friday.
Police will allege he abducted 23-year-old Ms Rimmer early on June 9, 1996, after her night out with friends in Claremont. Her body was found in Wellard on August 3 that year.
They will allege he abducted 27-year-old Ms Glennon on March 14, 1997, after she too had a night out in Claremont. Her body was found in bushland off Pipidinny Road, Eglington on April 3 that year.
He faces two charges of wilful murder.
They will allege he abducted a 17-year-old girl early February 12, 1995, as she walked through Rowe Park on Gugeri Street in Claremont, restrained her and forced her into a vehicle, drove her to Karrakatta Cemetery and sexually assaulted her there.
He faces one charge of deprivation of liberty and two of aggravated sexual penetration without consent.
They will allege he broke into a house in Huntingdale on February 15, 1988, entered the bedroom of an 18-year-old woman and indecently assaulted her, fleeing when she struggled.
He is charged with breaking and entering a dwelling with intent, with deprivation of liberty and with indecent assault.
Police allege he acted alone. Their investigation into the disappearance and suspected murder of Sarah Spiers in January 1996 continues.
"There is still much work to be done," Mr O'Callaghan said.
"These crimes shocked the West Australian public and police understand the high level of community and media interest; however, now that a person has been charged I want to take this opportunity to reiterate the need to respect the judicial process.
"As these matters are now before the courts and it remains an ongoing investigation, I am unable to provide any further information. I'm confident that the community will understand we do not want to say anything now that could impact, in any way, the prosecution."
Retired homicide squad detective Paul Ferguson, who headed up the Macro inquiry in 1996 and 1997, told WAtoday he was very happy with the breakthrough.
"I'm extremely happy for the families of the victims," Mr Ferguson said.
"In all honesty I knew the effort and I knew the commitment that everyone had put in.
"But you've got to look at it in totality and of course at this stage, Sarah (Spiers) has not been found. You can't help but feel for Don and Carol (Spiers).
"Any investigation that is protracted is going to be subject to criticism. But as its progressed, the team has evolved and technology has evolved and I was always confident that in due course the police would make an arrest in this matter."