CCTV Captures Microsoft Executive Jennifer Symonds Visiting Henley Restaurant Hours Before Tragic Drowning Near Thames Club

Jennifer Symonds, a 44-year-old former Microsoft executive, was captured on CCTV entering a Mediterranean-style bistro in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, just hours before her body was tragically discovered drowned near a private members’ club on the River Thames.

Footage obtained by investigators shows Miss Symonds arriving at the restaurant at 9:05 pm last Thursday, wearing a long black jacket.

She briefly spoke with a staff member, who informed her the kitchen had just closed. She thanked the staff member with a wave and left shortly afterward.

The Discovery at Phyllis Court Club

Her body was found the next morning at 7:50 am on the grounds of the Phyllis Court Club, situated half a mile from the restaurant.

The private members’ club, overlooking the Thames, became the center of a police investigation that led to the arrest of Nelio Gouveia, 44, who worked at the club as a kitchen porter.

Gouveia has been charged with her murder and appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Wednesday.

Jennifer Symonds’ Life and Career

Miss Symonds had been a senior customer success account manager at Microsoft’s UK headquarters in Reading, where she worked for more than six years before being made redundant in January 2025.

Prior to her tenure at Microsoft, she gained professional experience at several London and Gloucester-based companies.

She studied physical geography at the University of Gloucestershire from 2000 to 2003, where she also captained the hockey team.

Friends described her as warm-hearted and sociable.

One friend shared that she had been struggling after losing her job and dealing with personal challenges, including a difficult court case involving a former partner.

Despite these challenges, those who knew her remembered her as friendly and engaging.

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Life in Henley-on-Thames

Jennifer lived in a first-floor flat above a hairdresser’s in Henley town center, just a short walk from the river.

She regularly visited local shops, including a pet store across the street to buy food for ducks, and was a familiar face in the town’s pubs.

A bar manager at The Argyll pub recalled her as cheerful and outgoing, often dropping in alone or with friends.

Court Proceedings

Nelio Gouveia appeared at Oxford Crown Court wearing a grey prison uniform and looking at the ground throughout his hearing.

A trial has been set for September 1, estimated to last seven days, with a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for May 29.

Police Statement

Phyllis Court Club has since reopened after the initial cordon by Thames Valley Police, who asked rowers to avoid the area during the investigation.

A police spokesperson confirmed the victim’s identity and reassured the public that no one else is being sought in connection with the case.

“Officers were called to Phyllis Court Drive following the death of a woman.

Her next of kin are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers,” the spokesperson said.

Impact and Consequences

The murder has shocked the Henley community, bringing attention to safety concerns near local rivers and private club areas.

Residents and local businesses have expressed deep sadness over the incident, highlighting Jennifer Symonds’ popularity and kind nature.

The case also raises questions about workplace transitions and mental health support for individuals facing redundancy and personal challenges.

What’s Next?

The investigation continues as authorities prepare for the upcoming trial of Nelio Gouveia.

Legal teams will focus on gathering evidence and witness testimony from the Henley area, while the community awaits justice for Miss Symonds.

Summary

Jennifer Symonds, a former Microsoft executive, was tragically found drowned near Phyllis Court Club in Henley-on-Thames, following an evening out captured on CCTV.

Nelio Gouveia has been charged with her murder, and a trial is set for September.

Her friends and the local community mourn a well-liked and vibrant individual, while authorities continue their investigation.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Jennifer Symonds, 44, was captured on CCTV entering a Henley-on-Thames restaurant hours before her death.
• Her body was discovered drowned near Phyllis Court Club the following morning.
• Nelio Gouveia, 44, a kitchen porter at the club, has been charged with murder.
• Symonds had worked at Microsoft for over six years and studied physical geography at the University of Gloucestershire.
• A trial has been scheduled for September 1, with a plea and preparation hearing on May 29.
• Thames Valley Police confirmed her identity and stated no one else is being sought in connection with the case.
• The Henley community has expressed shock and sadness at her untimely death.