What is sufficient evidence to convict a defendant of conspiracy to murder?

There is sufficient evidence to support a conviction if, " 'after reviewing the evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, any rational trier of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.' " United States v. Bishop, 959 F.2d 820, 829 (9th Cir.1992) (quoting Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 (1979)).

The essential elements of a conspiracy are: 1) an agreement to accomplish an illegal objective; 2) the commission of an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy; and 3) the requisite intent necessary to commit the underlying offense. United States v. Taren-Palma, 997 F.2d 525, 536 (9th Cir.1993), cert. filed, (Jan. 18, 1994). "Once the existence of a conspiracy is shown, the government need only prove a slight connection between the defendant and the conspiracy." Id.