When you count the automation appeals and all the hoops to jump through so you don't kill the wrong guy, it usually would have cost the state a lot less to just give life without parole from the start....
Right? But "life without possibility of parole" needs to be absolute, except in the instance where new evidence that exonerates the accused comes to light. There are often health claims, and other "extenuating circumstances" that are being considered to shorten life sentences. So judges have resorted to tacking on multiple life sentences. Hell, even Charles Manson gets regular parole board hearings. Why the fuck is that?!? Dude should never be let out. Die in prison. Get cremated. Ashes are thrown out with the garbage.
Sure. He is now. But that doesn't mean he didn't have a whole bunch of parole hearings. In fact, one of his fellow killers is up for parole, and they have recommended it be granted: https://www.sltrib.com/news/workplaces/2019/01/04/charles-manson-follower/