Moment Microsoft Manager Arrives at Restaurant With Her Killer

CCTV has captured the final known sighting of Microsoft executive Jennifer Symonds, showing her visiting a restaurant with the man who later admitted killing her, just hours before her body was discovered in the River Thames.

Footage obtained by the Daily Mail shows Ms Symonds, 44, arriving at a Mediterranean-style bistro in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, with Nelio Gouveia, 45. Gouveia admitted in court yesterday that he killed her on March 6.

The pair entered the restaurant together at around 9.15pm during what has been described as a date. After a waiter told them the kitchen had closed, they left the premises.

Ms Symonds, wearing a long black coat, is seen entering first. Gouveia follows behind in a black jacket and ripped jeans.

Following the brief exchange with the waiter, she raises a hand in thanks before turning away and walking out. It was the last time she was seen alive.

Her body was found in the Thames, within the grounds of the Phyllis Court private members’ club, at 7.50am the next morning. The location was around half a mile from the restaurant.

Earlier that evening, Ms Symonds had met Gouveia for drinks in Henley. A disturbance was later heard near a pavilion close to the club between 2am and 3am.

Gouveia, who is understood to have worked as a kitchen porter at the club, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with murder.

Gouveia appeared at Oxford Crown Court yesterday, where he pleaded guilty to killing Ms Symonds.

Wearing a grey prison tracksuit and supported by a Portuguese interpreter, he kept his head lowered throughout the short hearing.

Gouveia, from Henley-on-Thames, was remanded in custody by Judge Ian Pringle. He is due to return to Oxford Crown Court for sentencing on November 20.

Ms Symonds had worked as a senior customer success account manager at Microsoft and spent more than six years at the company’s UK headquarters in Reading. She was made redundant in January 2025.

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It is understood that she had arranged to meet Gouveia that day, although it remains unclear how they knew each other or what kind of relationship they had.

Before joining Microsoft, Ms Symonds held roles at several companies in London and Gloucester. She studied physical geography at the University of Gloucestershire from 2000 to 2003, where she also served as hockey captain.

A friend said: ‘She was finding it difficult to secure another job after leaving Microsoft and felt that her life had begun to unravel.

‘She told me she had gone to court last summer after accusing a former partner of assault, but he was ultimately cleared.

‘I believe Jennifer also found that outcome difficult. More recently, she had been struggling with her mental health while out of work.’

‘But she was a really lovely, warm-hearted person who loved to chat to people around town. She was very well-liked.’

Ms Symonds lived in a first-floor flat above a hairdresser’s in the centre of Henley, a three-minute walk from the River.

After her death, friends asked for any flowers laid in her memory to be left at a bench at Red Lion Lawn, described as her ‘favourite spot’.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Rob Underhill, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: ‘My thoughts remain firmly with Jennifer’s family, who have lost someone who was dear to them.

‘Nelio’s actions on 6 March were heinous, and I am pleased that he has pleaded guilty.

‘This case demonstrates Thames Valley Police’s commitment to investigating violence against women and girls.

‘If you are a victim of violence, then please be reassured that we have specially trained officers who will listen and support you.’