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Man admits murdering Microsoft manager, 44, found drowned next to private members' club on River Thames - as police reveal pair were known to each other

Man admits murdering Microsoft manager, 44, found drowned next to private members' club on River Thames - as police reveal pair knew each other

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.

Jennifer Symonds, 44, was found dead in the water in Henley-on-Thames on Friday, March 6

Nelio Gouveia, 45, appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Thursday where he admitted to killing Ms Symonds

Police searching the River Thames in Henley-on-Thames, south Oxfordshire in March

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.'

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Perez Hilton's family and team have delivered an update on his recovery as he remains in treatment three months after he was seen self-harming with a knife on a horrific live stream.

On Tuesday, PerezHilton.com posted a note addressing the 48-year-old gossip blogger's ongoing treatment, which they said had progressed to its 'next phase' in a cautiously optimistic update.

The post also included a sweet photo of Hilton's three children – son Mario III, 13; and daughters Mia, 11; and Mayte, eight – as they went trick-or-treating while their father remained in treatment.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Hilton's representative for comment but has not yet received a response. 

'It’s been three months since our family began navigating this difficult time. While it hasn’t been easy, we’re grateful to have some positive news to share about Perez’s recovery,' the update began.

Hilton's family and team revealed that he had 'transitioned into the next phase of his treatment' in October. 

On Tuesday, Perez Hilton's website posted a note addressing the 48-year-old gossip blogger's ongoing treatment, which they said had progressed to its 'next phase' in a cautiously optimistic update; above, in August 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Hilton is now in a 'partial hospitalization program (PHP), while staying in supportive housing.' Despite the change of scenery, he 'continues to receive mental health care and support' and has been 'able to spend time with his family during approved visits...'; Above, in 2022 in Santa Monica, California

The celebrity blogger is now in a 'partial hospitalization program (PHP), while staying in supportive housing.' 

Despite the change of scenery, Hilton 'continues to receive mental health care and support.'

Those close to Hilton noted that he had been 'able to spend time with his family during approved visits...'

Among those was a gathering to celebrate his mother's 73rd birthday, which also reunited him with his children.

'These moments together have meant so much to everyone,' his loved ones wrote.

They added that Hilton's post-crisis ordeal has 'been a learning process for our family.' 

'Like many people who have never been through something like this, we didn’t fully understand just how much time, care, and support recovery from a serious mental health crisis can require,' they admitted. 

After speaking with people who had suffered similar mental-health crises, Hilton's family came 'to understand that getting through the initial crisis is only the beginning.'

The post also included a sweet photo (above) of Hilton's three children – son Mario III, 13; and daughters Mia, 11; and Mayte, eight – as they went trick-or-treating while their father remained in treatment

Although they acknowledged that many of Hilton's fans wanted to know when he would be back home with his family, they noted that there was no 'confirmed date' for him to be discharged; above, in October 2025 in Las Vegas

'There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline, and we’re learning the importance of taking things one step at a time,' they said.

Although they acknowledged that many of Hilton's fans wanted to know when he would be back home with his family, they noted that there was no 'confirmed date' for him to be discharged.

However, they were 'hopeful that day is getting closer.' 

'Most importantly, we want him to have the time and support he needs to continue making progress,' those close to Hilton continued.

They added that his children remained 'well' and were 'staying busy with school, their activities, and everyday life.'

'They also had a wonderful Halloween!' the update added. 'After everything they’ve been through, seeing them smiling, having fun, and simply enjoying being kids has been especially meaningful.'

Hilton's family and team concluded with thanks to his fans who had 'continued to check in and send kind messages.'

'We’re incredibly grateful for your love, compassion, and support. It means so much to our family,' they wrote.

Hilton's family revealed in an update from late September that he had begun to have supervised visits with his children and mother; above, in January 2025 in Las Vegas 

'They were first able to spend time together through a few video calls, and since then, Perez has also been able to see his children and his mom a few times for short, supervised visits at the facility,' the statement said; Above, with (L–R) Mario, Mia and Mayte in 2020 in Burbank

The newest update comes after Hilton's website shared another note in late September that revealed he had been having short 'supervised' visits with his children and his mother, who has been caring for them while he remains at a residential treatment center.

'They were first able to spend time together through a few video calls, and since then, Perez has also been able to see his children and his mom a few times for short, supervised visits at the facility,' the statement said.

'Seeing his children in person has meant an enormous amount to Perez,' it continued. 'There have definitely been a lot of emotions for everyone, but being able to spend that time together has been incredibly meaningful and healing.'

That update followed a longtime friend of Hilton's setting up a fundraiser to help support his mother as she cares for his three children.

According to the statement, Hilton's team has had only 'limited' communication with him recently. 

However, they said the 'priority isn’t constant communication with family, but rather giving him the time and space to focus on his care and continue making progress.'

'He’s continuing to work with his care team on understanding what led to his mental health crisis, recognizing warning signs, learning better ways to cope, and working through everything that brought him to this point,' they continued.

Hilton's team said they still don't know when he will be able to move on from the residential facility to go home and transfer to an outpatient program. 

'He’s continuing to work with his care team on understanding what led to his mental health crisis, recognizing warning signs, learning better ways to cope, and working through everything that brought him to this point,' his team said; Above, Hilton is pictured during an earlier, unrelated hospitalization

'Nobody wants to rush anything. For now, we’re all taking things one day at a time,' they said. 

'We’re grateful for the progress Perez has made so far, and especially grateful that he and his children have been able to spend some time together again,' his team added. 

The statement also updated Hilton's fans on an official fundraiser that his longtime friend, Tony-winning producer Tom D'Angora, had set up to assist his family.

'We want to thank Perez’s longtime friend Tom D’Angora again for setting up the GoFundMe to help Perez’s mom continue to care for his three children during this time,' the statement read. 'We also want to thank everyone who has donated, sent messages, and continued to send well wishes.'

They added that Hilton's mother, Teresita Lavandeira, 'has been incredibly touched and honestly overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity. It’s meant so much to her and to the kids.'

Now, with the support of Hilton's family, D'Angora is doing his part to raise funds for them during this difficult time. 

'I’ve known Perez Hilton (Mario) for 14 years and we have become very close friends, and during that time, he and his family have come to mean a great deal to me,' D'Angora said after launching the GoFundMe. 'With the support of his friends, I’m organizing this fundraiser to help his mother and his three children, Mario, Mia, and Mayte, during his treatment and recovery. 

'Perez is currently receiving full-time residential treatment while he focuses on his mental health and recovery. This process will take time. In the meantime, his mother has stepped in to care for his children full-time and give them the stability and support they need.' 

The statement included an updated on a GoFundMe set up by Hilton's long-time friend Tom D’Angora to benefit the blogger's family as he continues treatment; Above, D'Angora and Hilton in 2012 in NYC

D'Angora stressed that none of the money raised will be 'used for Perez personally.' 'All funds raised will benefit Perez’s mother and children only and help cover the additional costs of caring for three kids full-time'; Above, Hilton and mom Teresita Lavandeira with Mario and Mia in 2018 in Culver City

'Like any grandmother who suddenly finds herself responsible for raising three growing children, she’s also taken on significant and unexpected expenses,' D'Angora writes. 'She’s put much of her own life on hold to make sure the kids can continue going to school, participating in their normal activities, and having as much consistency as possible during an incredibly difficult time.'

D'Angora stressed that none of the money raised will be 'used for Perez personally.'

'All funds raised will benefit Perez’s mother and children only and help cover the additional costs of caring for three kids full-time. None of the money will be used for Perez personally,' he said. 

'It’s been heartbreaking to watch someone I care about very much, along with his entire family who I also care very deeply for, go through this. More than anything, I want to see Perez recover and return to a happy and fulfilling life as a father, son, brother, and a great friend.

'Every contribution, no matter the amount, will help support the kids and their grandmother during the months ahead. If you’re not in a position to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser would also mean a great deal.

'Thank you for helping care for the people Perez loves most while he does the difficult work of getting better.'

The fundraiser came with the blessing of Hilton's family, who posted a link to the GoFundMe on their official website. 

The update came not long after Hilton's family announced the blogger had entered a residential treatment program 'where he can focus fully on his mental health and recovery.'

Tom said he had become 'very close friends' with Hilton since first meeting him 14 years ago

'This was an important next step, but there's still a long road ahead,' his loved ones shared.

'Perez is expected to remain in residential treatment for several more weeks, potentially longer, depending on what his treatment team believes is best for his recovery.'

Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr, does not have access to a phone or laptop.

His communication with friends and family has been restricted during this crucial time of recovery.

Hilton's three children are currently living in Miami, Florida, under the temporary custody of his mother.

'His three children remain together, safe, and doing well in the care of their grandmother, who has stepped in to care for them full-time during this unexpected chapter,' Hilton's relatives continued.

'Our family's priority continues to be giving them as much stability, routine, and "normalcy" as possible while their dad focuses on his recovery. We are incredibly grateful for everything their grandmother is doing for them.'

The internet personality is allowed to see his children but those visits must be supervised by an approved family member or a therapist, TMZ reported, citing court documents.

The fundraiser comes with the blessing of Hilton's family, who posted a link to the GoFundMe on their official website

Hilton must obtain 'psychiatric clearance' prior to those visits, according to the outlet.

The crisis occurred several months after Hilton moved from Las Vegas back to his hometown of Miami, and he was living there with his children and his mother at the time of the shocking livestream incident.

On August 4, he was found by his sister, Barbara Lavandeira, inside the home's bathroom covered in blood and holding a box cutter.

Hilton had been filming a live broadcast on TikTok during which he appeared to engage in self-harm.

The livestream continued for about 15 minutes before TikTok stopped the feed, and Hilton's TikTok account has since been banned by the platform.

Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene following numerous calls from concerned viewers and the social media site's own moderation team.

Hilton was treated for lacerations and an overdose before being transported to hospital under Florida's Baker Act, a state law that allows for the temporary and involuntary hold of individuals suffering a mental health crisis.

His family confirmed that he experienced significant blood loss and multiple broken bones.

'Perez is alive, he's getting help, and he's surrounded by people who want to see him healthy and happy again,' their statement concluded.

'Right now, those are the things that matter most.' 

If you or someone you know needs help in the US, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on 988.If you are in the UK, call Samaritans on 116 123 for free. If you are in Australia, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

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