TIFTON, Ga. — A local man is on trial for a 2016 murder.

The trial of Jerome James Jackson, 55, of Tifton, for the murder of Odell Chaney, 53, began on Tuesday, April 30, at the Tift County Courthouse.

Jackson was arrested on Nov. 4, 2016, and charged with murder, felony murder, first degree home invasion and aggravated assault.

The victim, Chaney, died at a residence in the 400 block of Wilson Street in the early hours of Nov. 4, 2016.

The prosecution’s opening arguments stated that Chaney was stabbed 13 times with a knife while at the home of his girlfriend, who had previously dated Jackson.

They argued that Jackson went to the home with the intent to kill the inhabitants, broke down the door and stabbed Chaney while the girlfriend fled. The prosecution stated that Jackson was later found with the victim’s blood on his clothing and the murder weapon in the bed he was sleeping in.

The defense’s opening statement said that Jackson had a legal right to be at the home, since his name was on the lease.

The defense argued that Jackson had no intention to kill Chaney and that the stabbing was self-defense after Chaney jumped on Jackson’s back and bit off his ear.

The trial will continue throughout the rest of the week.