The Trial

After the fire, the state knew there was someone had to be held responsible, so the case went to court. Many stated that Harris and Blanck locked a door on the ninth floor intentionally and this resulted numerous deaths that could have been prevented.
"He [Victor Steinman] knew that the public wanted someone to be held responsible. He shared that impulse. And he was persuaded that the door was locked. His only doubt was whether Harris and Blanck knew it was locked."
-David Von Drehle; Triangle: The Fire That Changed America
Granddaughter of Harris explains the blame. 
Like Steinman, Judge Crain shared the same doubts. Crain asked for proof that the owners knew the door was locked, but there was none. On December 27th, the verdict was 'not guilty'. The crowds were shocked.