It doesn’t really matter, in California you have a duty to RETREAT, this poor homeowner WILL face charges, only the POLICE are Allowed to KILL unarmed individuals in CA with impunity, the Story only mentions a “Lantern” hardly justifiable to claim “I was in fear for my life” which is what is required. Note to Homeowner, next Time KILL THE THUG and have a disposable unregistered gun to put in his hand, if you don’t have an unregistered gun, Ask Any COP for one of his extra drop guns.
With respect, California does not require one to “retreat”. In fact, California has a Castle Doctrine. If one illegally enters a home, a resident can use any means necessary to defend themselves, including the use of a “War Baby”, aka a M1 Carbine, which by the way are legal in CA.