I think the homeowner is screwed. The guy should not answer the door if he was in fear and should have called 911 with a gun trained on the door in case the kid had tried to get in.
I don't know if you have the obligation to "retreat" vs some states that you can "stand your ground". Once your domicile is "invaded" then all bets are off. I think it depends on where the boundaries are drawn legally. What might have happened is that he answered and the guy came out and frightened him with an "accidental" dishcharge.(if the guy had his finger on the trigger). Forensics will come out in the trial. If the guy was pissed and shot the kid for waking him up.... well I'm thinking the guy should get a good lawyer. He'll need it.
I'm sure that the local bloodsucker has contacted the kids parents and are looking at the homeowner's umbrella liability policy to "ease their pain" and ...... line his pockets with a little 35-40% of the "take". Bottom line, is that night is going to be the worst one of his life. Killing a kid and ruining a bunch of lives. Really is kind of a sad story........
I have a CCW permit and that actuall puts more responsibilities on you than most liberals think. Especially if you are concientious and law abiding.
If the kid was ringing and running, and the homeowner with the gun saw him face to face that would mean he was waiting for him to show up.
It is possible that as soon as the bell was rung the homeowner threw open the door and shot the kid as he was turning to run away.
That's a bit more than your typical second-degree murder.
If you think this guy was in the right, you might send him a donation or two, maybe sell your house and give him the proceeds. He's gonna' need it!