Which of the following best describes a scenario where deadly force might be justified?

The justification for using deadly force is contingent on the necessity to protect oneself or others from an imminent threat to life or serious injury. In scenarios where an individual or bystanders face an immediate risk of being harmed, deadly force may be deemed necessary as a last resort to neutralize the threat. This course of action is rooted in the principle of self-defense and the duty to protect others from severe harm.

In contrast, protecting personal property from minor theft does not typically warrant the use of deadly force, as property crimes do not pose an immediate threat to life. Retaining control over a suspect until police arrive usually involves using reasonable force rather than deadly force, which is reserved for life-threatening situations. Lastly, responding to verbal provocation alone lacks the immediacy required for justifying deadly force, as words do not equate to a physical threat. Therefore, option B accurately captures the critical circumstances that can justify the use of deadly force.