That's my thought. By the mere fact someone is entering my house they have signed a death warrant. I am being automatically placed in the role of defender and they the encroacher. I have to presume it's a life threatening situation and act accordingly. I'm going to shoot and be certain they are dead if I have to unload a clip into them. I believe I have a right to not have them come back on me in retaliation, so it's a death sentence for them.
I have the same policy, but I have a 12 mile territorial limit around my house, which you enter at your own risk. barfo
How about because your wife invited the 'stranger' over, because she thought you would be out of town? Go Blazers
Then there's..... http://gma.yahoo.com/video/news-267...er-home-while-on-phone-with-911-27777235.html
My hat's off to that woman. I had read the story earlier today, but I missed the part about her husband having passed away this last Christmas... Brutal. The best part about the aftermath is that there are murder charges being filed -- against the intruder's accomplice.
Of course her actions were reasonable. Your scenario is COMPLETELY different. Your intruder did not bash the bedroom door in. Your intruder was not brandishing a weapon. Your intruder has their back to you. I think most Grand Juries would indict you for a charge to stand trial in your fantasy scenario. It just isn't enough to justify killing, when you could easily be killing a relative/friend/known who let themselves in an unlocked door and was pawing through your papers looking for that pound cake recipie. Or, how about you are a scumbag thrill kill freak who is ready for your first time. Lure someone to your house in a way you don't have any witnesses, get them inside - shoot them in the back. Tell police - "don't arrest me - somebody I don't know was in my house, therefor I am free to kill them at my convenience." THAT is why a difficult bar is set in order to be in the clear for killing.