What does Lizzie's "innocence" mean?

[Robert Harry]

I recently downloaded the free copy of The Hatchet--thanks for that treat, Stefani--and I particularly enjoyed the article about Lizzie's stay in Newport. However, I was wondering what the Holmes's and others meant when they said "Lizzie is innocent." Are they saying that she played no part whatsoever in the murders, or that they can't imagine her doing it? Because no matter how much one may like Lizzie, the fact remains that everything points to her certainly knowing something--home alone with only Bridget around, middle of the day, etc. Were all of Lizzie's friends and supporters in denial?

[Allen]

Were all of Lizzie's friends and supporters in denial?

I think that’s quite possible. I know if a horrendous crime such as this were to be committed in my town even today, and a woman I had maybe known all my life was accused of committing them I would find it very hard to deal with. If it were someone I was especially close to, I would probably find it very hard to believe she had played any part in the murders. Back then women were also definitely thought to be the weaker sex. The people of Fall River probably had a hard time believing any woman could commit such a crime. You never like to believe anyone you know could be capable of such a thing. But after all the evidence had been presented at the trial, I have a feeling that many of them changed their minds about Lizzie's innocence, even if it was only privately.

[Kat]

Did the Holmes continue to be Lizzie's friend after the trial?
If they did then they continued to believe in her. If they didn't, then their trust in Lizzie as innocent was probaly shattered somehow- or merely eroded?