A Microsoft exec was filmed at a Henley bistro hours before her death, with a man currently awaiting trial for her murder.
The Daily Mail has shared a CCTV video of Jennifer Symonds calling into a Mediterranean-style bistro in Henley-on-Thames, just past 9pm on Thursday, March 5.
Wearing a full-length black jacket, the 44-year-old is with a male friend and chats briefly to staff who tell her the kitchen had closed and then she leaves.
Her body was found off Phyllis Court Drive in Henley at around 7.50am the next morning, around half a mile from the restaurant.
Police tape was wrapped around the pavilion at Phyllis Court Club – a private members’ club – as police shut off the towpath opposite the club and asked rowers not to pass.
Since then it has been revealed that Ms Symonds was a senior customer success account manager at Microsoft, working in Reading.
She had been there for almost seven years up to January 2025, and before had been employed by a number of companies in London and Gloucester.
She studied physical geography at the University of Gloucestershire between 2000 and 2003, where she was also hockey captain.
Thames Valley Police has confirmed that her family are being supported.
A spokesperson for the force said: "The woman’s next of kin have been informed, and they are being supported by specially trained officers.
"Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time."
The Daily Mail reported that a friend had said she had found it tough to get a new job after Microsoft and had been struggling with her mental health.
The paper also said that she was fondly remembered by friends and businesspeople in the local area.
Nelio Gouveia, of Phyllis Court Drive, Henley, appeared at Oxford Crown Court for the first time on the morning of Wednesday, March 11.
The 44-year-old is charged with one count of murder. A trial date, with a time estimate of seven days, was set for September 1.
A plea and trial preparation hearing will also take place on May 29.
At the court, Gouveia wore a grey prison uniform and looked at the ground throughout the hearing.
He spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.
The force has said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with this investigation.
An inquest has opened into Ms Symonds’ death at Oxfordshire Coroner's Court on March 16 but a full inquest is unlikely to take place before the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
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