A:
"Persons who believe that they are in imminent peril of bodily harm [may] use such non-deadly force as is reasonably necessary in the circumstances to protect themselves. . . . Before resorting to the use of deadly force, the person attacked must attempt retreat if he or she is consciously aware of an open, safe, and available avenue of escape. . . . The only exception in Rhode Island to the obligation to attempt retreat was created by statute." State v. Quarles, 504 A.2d 473 (R.I. 1986)
It is considered use of "reasonable force" to kill an intruder in one's home as long as the owner felt they were in danger of serious injury or death.