There is no doubt that Manson was an extremely intelligent con man. He was able to take advantage of the times and lead a bunch of homeless kids from the Haight-Ashbury scene of the 60s. Yes, he brainwashed them, through isolation, through constant preaching, and through fear. However, Bugliosi made the distinction between his followers. For example, Linda Kasabian was the driver both nights, yet she never harmed anyone and turned herself in and testified against the Family. Atkins, on the other hand, not only killed, but literally tasted the blood of the victims. And Tate was not her only victim. She had killed before, and had also sexually abused her infant son. This was not some lost little hippie girl who acted solely under the influence.

I think that there probably is no point in keeping Atkins in prison. As LLC pointed out, she's no doubt so physically and mentally gone that it will make little difference to her. BUT it may make a big difference to the families of the victims, and I believe that their wishes should have priority.