St. Louis, MO  (KTRS)  A group of clergy members have a warning for the judge deciding the ruling in the first-degree murder trial of a former St. Louis police officer.

The group gathered in downtown St. Louis on Friday, where a letter composed by clergy members was read, calling for the conviction of former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley. “Any decision rendered by you other than a guilty verdict will make you liable for any ensuing unrest or acts of aggression,” the group wrote.  ‘The blood will be on your hands.’” Reverend Clinton Stancil of Wayman AME Church read.

Stockley is accused of fatally shooting Anthony Lamar Smith during a police chase back in 2011. A bench trial was held in August.

A ruling is pending by a St. Louis judge in the case.

Activists have warned there will be civil unrest if Stockley is acquitted.