“According to Tennessee law, individuals can use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to avoid death or serious bodily injury at the hands of another person.”
So in this case, even if Pizza guy had been messing with perps car, lethal force wouldn’t be authorized.
It actually varies state by state which is part of the problem.
Here in Oregon, there are only 3 use cases where lethal force is allowed:
That’s it.
In Tennessee…
https://casetext.com/statute/tennessee-code/title-39-criminal-offenses/chapter-11-general-provisions/part-6-justification-excluding-criminal-responsibility/section-39-11-614-protection-of-property
“© Unless a person is justified in using deadly force as otherwise provided by law, a person is not justified in using deadly force to prevent or terminate the other’s trespass on real estate or unlawful interference with personal property.”
BUT:
https://www.mcelaw.com/blog/what-are-the-rules-on-self-defense-in-tennessee/
“According to Tennessee law, individuals can use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to avoid death or serious bodily injury at the hands of another person.”
So in this case, even if Pizza guy had been messing with perps car, lethal force wouldn’t be authorized.
I don’t think he’d win, but Tennessee is a castle doctrine state.
If he had reasonable belief that the pizza delivery driver was breaking in, the home owner is likely justified to use deadly force.
I’m pretty sure it doesn’t apply to shooting out of your house unless you’re being shot at, though.