A manufacturing businessman has told an inquest how his 25-year-old son died after a self-inflicted gunshot using an air pistol, describing the moment as sudden and shocking, while insisting he does not believe it was a deliberate act.
The hearing at Oxford Coroner’s Court examined the death of James Keeping, who died at the family’s £1.5 million farmhouse in Oxfordshire after a period of worsening mental health and unemployment struggles.
His father, Simon Keeping, gave evidence about the events leading up to the incident and described his son’s final moments in deeply emotional testimony.
A Promising Academic Path Followed by Post-Graduation Struggles
The inquest heard that James had a strong academic background, having attended Bloxham School in Banbury and d’Overbroeck’s School in Oxford, before completing A-levels in politics, economics, and drama.
He later studied marketing and management at Newcastle University, graduating in 2024 with hopes of building a professional career.
Despite his qualifications, he struggled to secure stable employment.
He worked in short-term roles, including positions at a delicatessen and a mushroom farm, but reportedly became increasingly frustrated by what he saw as slow progress in his career.
On his LinkedIn profile, James openly reflected on his situation, writing that while his CV was limited, he was “willing, motivated, and not afraid to get stuck in,” and expressed hope for opportunities that would allow him to “learn, contribute, and grow.”
Father’s Public Appeal for Help Finding Work
Shortly before the tragedy, his father also used LinkedIn to seek assistance for his son’s job search.
Simon Keeping, who previously ran the cleaning equipment business Karcher for two decades, told his network that it could be “tough for young people to get that first ‘proper job’,” adding that he would “love to give my son James that break,” while encouraging contacts to share opportunities.
James responded publicly to the post with a brief message acknowledging the gesture, writing: “I didn’t realise my dad was sending this. Thanks Dad.”
Events Leading Up to the Incident at the Family Home
The inquest heard that tensions escalated at the family farmhouse in Duns Tew, near Bicester, after a night involving alcohol and emotional distress.
James had spent time with his girlfriend, Lesha Jennings, celebrating Valentine’s Day before returning home, where they stayed up late discussing his mental state.
She later described how he expressed feelings of despair, telling the hearing that he said “life was s***” and spoke about how difficult things had become.
The following day, he continued drinking heavily and became increasingly agitated.
When returning home with his father after taking his girlfriend back to Oxford, his mood reportedly worsened further, and he was described as argumentative and distressed about his unemployment.
Escalation Inside the Household Before the Shooting
Evidence presented at the hearing described how James briefly took a kitchen knife and waved it around during a period of heightened emotion, before being persuaded by his father to put it away.
Moments later, he retrieved a modified air pistol, held it to his head, and discharged the weapon.
An ambulance was called immediately, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Keeping told the court he believed his son did not intend to kill himself, emphasising that the weapon was an air pistol and not something he associated with fatal outcomes.
He described the moment as sudden, saying there was a bang and then silence.
Mental Health History, Diagnosis, and Alcohol Levels
The inquest heard that James had previously sought medical help for his mental health and had admitted experiencing suicidal thoughts, though he also expressed concern about hurting those close to him.
He had been diagnosed with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder, alongside anxiety, and had previously relinquished a shotgun licence due to his condition.
Toxicology reports later confirmed a blood alcohol level of 234 mg per 100 ml, nearly three times the legal limit for driving, indicating significant intoxication at the time of death.
Coroner’s Findings and Narrative Conclusion
Coroner Nicholas Graham concluded that there was insufficient evidence to determine intent, stating that neither a suicide verdict nor a ruling of accidental death could be formally recorded.
Instead, a narrative conclusion was delivered, reflecting the complexity of the circumstances and the uncertainty surrounding James’s final actions.
The case has left the family grappling with unanswered questions, as his father maintains that his son’s death was not intentional despite the devastating outcome.
