The man accused of killing Naomi Hunte and Fiona Holm is a construction worker from Lewisham who had been in a relationship with both of them at different times.
Carl Cooper, 65, faces a trial in June 2024 after he was charged with the murders of 41-year-old Ms Hunte and 48-year-old Ms Holm.
Ms Hunte was found dead at her home in Congleton Grove, Woolwich, at around 8.30pm on February 14 last year.
She had not been seen alive for several days before she was discovered partially clothed with a single stab wound to the chest.
Cooper, of Broadfield Road near Hither Green, was originally arrested on suspicion of murder four days after Ms Hunte was found.
He was then bailed pending further inquiries, before being released under investigation.
Ms Holm, described as being a vulnerable person, was reported missing on June 29 this year having last been seen at an off-licence in Verdant Lane, Bromley, nine days earlier.
Her family became particularly concerned after finding mouldy food in her fridge and mouldy linen in the washing machine at her home.
Due to the out-of-character nature of her disappearance and the amount of time since she was last seen alive police launched a murder investigation.
An inquiry into her banking records showed no activity since June 20 and efforts are ongoing to find Ms Holm’s body in the area of south-east London.
On Tuesday (July 18) Cooper was due to appear at the Old Bailey after he was charged with two counts of murder.
However, Thameside prison was unable to produce Cooper in person or by video link.
Judge Richard Marks KC continued the hearing in his absence, setting a plea hearing on October 3 and a four-week trial from June 4 next year before a High Court judge.
The judge ordered that arrangements should be made for the defendant to appear in court on Wednesday so he can find out what had been said about his case.
Cooper was further remanded into custody.
Efforts are ongoing to find Fiona Holm and police have released a CCTV image of what may have been the last sighting of her.
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, leading the investigation, said: “We have charged a man with Fiona’s murder and the murder of Naomi Hunte.
“Prior to this development a missing person investigation was undertaken in the hope of finding Fiona alive.
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of Fiona, and of course Naomi’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“My officers will continue to support the families of both women.
“Fiona is a well-known and active member of the community in the Lewisham and Blackheath area.
“I am keen to hear from anyone who saw Fiona since June 20.
“We are piecing together a timeline of what may have been her last movements, and your information, no matter how small, could help us establish what happened to her.
“Did you have contact with Fiona before June 20 and do you have information about her that could be relevant to my investigation?”
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