Opinion ID: 588632
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

Text: 28 Appellants next contend that the evidence was insufficient for the jury to find beyond a reasonable doubt that they knowingly possessed cocaine or weapons. We must affirm the fact finder if the evidence, when viewed in the light most favorable to the government, establishes that any rational trier of fact could have found the elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. United States v. Leibowitz, 857 F.2d 373, 380 (7th Cir.1988), cert. denied, 489 U.S. 1088 (1989). 29 Under this standard the record contains ample evidence against both appellants. The cocaine was found in plain view of any occupant of the Toyota. The guns were also in plain view. One weapon was behind the driver's seat within Williams' reach. The other had Williams' fingerprint on it. Clarke exited the vehicle from the passenger seat where the bags of cocaine were found. He was seen to drop one of the weapons. This evidence was sufficient to convict both appellants.