It's the old saying: When there are multiple possible explanations, the simplest one is usually correct. The simplest explanation for a situation is typically the one that looks like ones we've seen before.
It's not SR, AR, or VR. They may know things, they may have suspicions, but many people have staunch friends and family who will stand by their side, deny guilt, and make up anything to convince themselves until the evidence becomes overwhelming and they can stand with them no more. Of course, some people will never believe their loved one is guilty, but most will when the truth becomes apparent.
The no tears comments irk me - Lindy didn't cry either - and the lack of her tears was one overwhelming reason why people erroneously declared her guilty...