Colmbo, sounds like you did the prudent thing
![Thumbs UP! :aok](http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/Smileys/default/thumbsup.gif)
Nobody's stuff is worth losing their own life over, I know too well.
I lived in AZ most of my life, CO for the other part, and the state laws regarding such incidences can be as different as the scenery from one to the next. Best to know the laws, sounds like you do, and some others posting here don't.
In AZ it takes certain criteria to be met that are in some ways subjective to enable lawful use of deadly force. The two most important:
Imminent fear that the perpetrator may use lethal force.
Ability of the perpetrator to use lethal force; easily established if they are wielding a weapon.
In AZ, unlike many may think, we can not shoot someone just because they break and enter, they must be a lethal threat.