In his mind, he absolutely knew.
Before they even entered his house he is on tape, practicing what he is going to say to his attorney about killing them.
He was certain they were coming, and he planned exactly what he would do when they came, bought new tarps and everything.
If the state will not provide a deterrent to crime, the people must.
After this case it's possible some burglars may think twice, but I would guess most burglars would think "next time I bring a gun."
Also, after this case, most homeowners in the area will probably think: "I'd rather lose insured valuables than spend the rest of my life in prison."
“Also, after this case, most homeowners in the area will probably think: “I’d rather lose insured valuables than spend the rest of my life in prison.”
In other words, we have come to the point where the people realize that the state is now protecting the criminals.
Planning what you’d do for a home invasion is smart. Everyone should do it. Everyone should have contingencies.
Put another way, the line is currently drawn thus: steal on a less systematic basis, and you can do so with impunity.
Steal systematically, and the government will look upon you as a competitor.
Sorry, unless he knew, specifically, that those two were going to enter his home at that date in time, his actions were justified, no matter how heinous.
Unless it is that, or every otherwise law abiding citizen will hesitate at the very moment your life and the lives of your loved ones are in the balance and the time for planning is over.