Homeowner charged after shooting teen attempting to break into his car

[Criticalt]

The key words are "reasonably believe". In the middle of the night, I hear an unfamiliar voice call from downstairs "hello?" Not sure if its the next door neighbors drunk kid or someone there to rob me. Is it reasonable to believe that a stranger in my house at 2am is there to rob me? A discussion online asked this question and said the requirement is for someone to prove you were wrong in your belief, not for you to prove you were right. Part of the litmus test is, does another person, given what you observed and the situation details feel the same as you? Personally, I would evaluate the situation to some degree and really would not want to spend the time and money in court resulting from a shooting BUT, rather that than dead. I dont think it is unreasonable to think a stranger in my house late at night is there to rob me (or worse). Heck, people dont visit during daylight hours, what good deed would posses them to visit me at night?

Again, you are talking about outside the home. The standards are much lower inside your home.
If it even goes to court, its pretty easy to justify.
It can be impossible to distinguish a good guy from a bad guy in low light and with adrenalin pumping.
You can use any means necessary to remove the threat from your house.
You have no obligation to retreat or interrogate the intruder.
90% of the time you may be able to tell if they are a threat or not. But that other 10% could cost you your life.

 

[Justincase]

Weapon mounted light can take a lot of the guesswork on whether to shoot or not.

 

[Wraith]

Then what is the difference between this and a state that supports Castle Doctrine?

Castle Doctrine only removes one of the five elements of a legal defense of self defense, that element is the duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine doesn’t often cover defense of property, but can cover you if you are in your vehicle. I’m not 100% if vehicles are covered in NY.

 

[nortatoga]

Weapon mounted light can take a lot of the guesswork on whether to shoot or not.

On the other hand, a weapon mounted light could make you a target to be shot. (your standing behind the light!)

 

[Justincase]

On the other hand, a weapon mounted light could make you a target to be shot. (your standing behind the light!)

You're, right but I'd rather know who I'm shooting beforehand rather than after the fact

 

[Mr. terzmo]

Can replace a car...can't replace a life. Does a car mean so much ? A hot temper and a gun don't mix well. I, with info given, don't support the shooter.