Cody Ackland, 24, has been charged with the murder of teenager Bobbi-Anne McLeod in Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall Police say.
A body, believed to be that of the missing 18-year-old, was discovered on Tuesday afternoon close to the beach at Bovisand, about seven miles from where she was last seen.
Ackland, who was arrested on Tuesday, has now been charged with her murder and is due to appear at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court later.
Ms McLeod’s family has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
The force said on Thursday there was “no known link” between Ms McLeod and the suspect.
Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Leaper said investigators were not seeking anyone else in connection with the killing.
Ms McLeod left her home in Leigham at about 6pm and was last seen waiting at a bus stop close to her house as she made her way into town.
Hundreds of people gathered by the spot she was last seen to hold a candlelit vigil in her memory.
A bank of flowers dotted with candles has been laid by local residents over the past few days.
Donna McLeod, the victim’s mother, thanked the crowd for all the love and support her family has received over the last few days.
“Thank you for doing everything to try and find her and bring our baby home,” she said.