In opening statements Monday, a defense attorney said Shelley Malil didn't plan the attack and acted in self-defense.
The prosecutor says the friend managed to get control of the knife from Malil, threw it over a fence and ran to dial 911.
Malil allegedly grabbed a butcher knife from the kitchen and continued stabbing Beebe.
The Malil, 45, could face life in prison if convicted of attempted murder, burglary and assault with a deadly weapon.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
