A man has pleaded guilty to murdering a Microsoft manager who was found drowned next to a private members' club, as police today revealed they were known to each other.

Nelio Gouveia, 45, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday where he admitted to killing Jennifer Symonds, 44, in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, on March 6.

Dressed in a grey prison tracksuit and assisted by a Portuguese interpreter, his head was bowed throughout the brief hearing.

Gouveia, of Henley-on-Thames, was remanded in custody by Judge Ian Pringle and will next appear at Oxford Crown Court for sentencing on November 20.

Judge Pringle said the sentencing hearing will be 'retained by a High Court judge', Mr Justice Jay – a move normally reserved for the most serious offences, typically murder.

Three of Ms Symonds' friends, who were in court for the hearing, appeared emotional after the guilty plea. 

Thames Valley Police launched a murder investigation after being called to Phyllis Court Drive, next to Phyllis Court Club, a private members' club next to the River Thames. 

Gouveia is understood to have worked as a kitchen porter at the club. Thames Valley Police said today the pair were known to each other.

A post-mortem examination found that Ms Symonds died from drowning. 

Ms Symonds was seen on CCTV at a Mediterranean-style bistro in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, at 9.05pm the night before she was found dead, accompanied by a male friend. 

She was seen wearing a full-length black jacket and chatting briefly to a member of staff who tells her that the kitchen had just closed for the evening.

She waves her hand in thanks, turns and leaves.

Her body was found at 7.50am the following morning within the grounds of the private members club, located about half a mile from the restaurant.

Ms Symonds had worked for Microsoft since 2018, according to LinkedIn.

Her most recent position was senior customer success account manager at the tech firm's UK headquarters in Reading, but she had been made redundant in January 2025.

A friend said: 'She was finding it tough to get a new job after Microsoft and felt that her life had begun to unravel slightly.

'She told me that she'd been to court last summer after accusing a former partner of assault but he ended up being cleared.

'I think Jennifer found that hard to take as well. Recently she'd been struggling with her mental health due to being 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.'

A bar manager at The Argyll pub in Henley-on-Thames said: 'Jennifer would pop in now and again, sometimes on her own and sometimes with a group of friends. 

'I found her to be really happy, chatty and friendly. She was a lovely soul.'

Ms Symonds had studied physical geography at the University of Gloucestershire, where she was a hockey team captain.

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 March 6 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.'