Jacob Bell is standing trial in the Newcastle Supreme Court over the alleged murder of Eddy Lemalama, who died after being stabbed at his home in Windale on 29 March 2024. Prosecutors allege Bell stabbed the 40-year-old in the back and chest following an altercation linked to an earlier neighbourhood dispute. The court heard tensions between the parties had been building after disagreements at nearby gatherings. Crown prosecutor Brendan Queenan told jurors Bell allegedly returned to the Kankool Way property to “sort it out” before the confrontation turned violent. CCTV footage and witness testimony are expected to form key parts of the prosecution case. Bell has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the alternative charge of manslaughter. Defence barrister Stuart Bouveng argued the prosecution must still prove Bell intended to kill or cause grievous bodily harm, while also disputing aspects of how the knife was allegedly brought to and removed from the scene. The trial before Justice Dina Yehia is continuing.