We incarcerate people for two reason. The first, as you point, is to keep dangerous people away from innocent citizen whom they can harm. The other, which is frequently overlooked, is to punish those who have committed offenses against the people.
Ms. Atkins is no longer a threat to anyone, but that doesn't mean her punishment is absolved. She should spend the rest of the days in prison, thinking about what she did and hoping (or praying if she believes in God), that whatever fate awaits her on the other side, is more pleasant than the one she helped to give to so many on this side.
“We incarcerate people for two reason. ‘
I say there is a third reason: Justice. People need justice.
Well said.