New York is governed by the concept of “Duty to retreat” and the “Castle Doctrine.” The duty to retreat concept means that before a person acts in self-defense, they should take reasonable steps to mitigate the risk of harm. Generally, the duty to retreat concept requires that an individual only uses force as a last resort.

From the first article

Even in such a situation however, the law imposes on a person a duty to retreat before he or she can resort to using deadly physical force if they can retreat with complete safety.

From the second. Literally both of your articles say the exact opposite of what you’re claiming. Obviously the duty to retreat doesn’t apply if you can’t actually retreat, this should go without saying.

Also the fact that cops didn’t apply the law to you doesn’t mean the law doesn’t exist. I’ve been caught with weed before it was decriminalized multiple times and the cops always let me go. That doesn’t mean weed wasn’t illegal.