Prosecutors may present at trial evidence about the relationship between Jeffrey Lee Carter and the man he's accused of murdering, a judge ruled Wednesday.

The state may also admit evidence Carter pulled a knife on Johnny Shane Moody during an argument a few days before Moody's death.

The rulings, by Natrona County District Judge Scott Skavdahl, came during a motions hearing in anticipation of Carter's Dec. 8 murder trial. He is accused of fatally stabbing Moody, an acquaintance, in a July 18 assault on East A Street. Just after the incident, a police officer found Moody, 48, in an alley with stab wounds to his chest and back.

Carter, 46, faces a second-degree murder charge and could receive a life sentence if convicted.

Prosecutors received permission to show evidence Moody allowed Carter to stay at his home but asked him to leave after he allegedly made advances on Moody's wife.

"These two individuals were not on good terms on the evening in question," District Attorney Michael Blonigen told Skavdahl.

Carter's attorney, Dion Custis, told the court his client has his own version of what happened in his relationship with Moody. He did not elaborate.

One witness told police the men, around the time of the incident, were arguing about a woman who'd accused Moody of trying to sexually assault her, according to testimony at a pretrial hearing.

Blonigen also received permission Friday to admit evidence of a witness who claims she saw Carter pull a knife on Moody at a Laundromat two days before the stabbing.

Custis argued information from the witness was vague and should be inadmissible. However, Skavdahl ruled it met the criteria to be allowed at trial.

Carter remains in custody at Natrona County Detention Center in lieu of $500,000 bond.

Reach crime reporter Joshua Wolfson at (307) 266-0582 or at josh.wolfson@trib.com.