5 Of The Most Shocking Crimes of Greed

Greed is a deadly sin for a reason. The pursuit of wanting something so bad, usually money, can drive people to the point of no return— even murder. "In Ice Cold Blood," hosted by Ice-T which Mondays at 8/7c on Oxygen, delves into shocking true crime stories involving greed, lust and envy.

Here are 5 of the most shocking crimes of greed.

One of the the biggest financial crimes in modern memory involves Bernie Madoff. In 2009, Madoff was convicted and sentenced to 150 years in prison for running what was described as the biggest Ponzi scheme in history, reported the New York Times. The scheme, as explained by CNN, was that Madoff masqueraded his investment firm as a legitimate business. He used fresh money from unsuspecting investors to make payments to other investors, giving it the appeareance of legitmacy. As part of a $170 billion legal judgment against Madoff, the government seized all of his property to compensate the victims. “I am responsible for a great deal of suffering and pain. I understand that,” he said. “I live in a tormented state now, knowing of all the pain and suffering that I have created.”

The Mendendez Brothers grew up wanting for nothing but that wasn't enough. In 1994, the nation watched as brothers Lyle and Erik were sentenced to life in prison without parole in the 1989 killing of their parents, Jose and Mary "Kitty." Privileged and wealthy, Menendez Brothers grew up in the lap of luxury in Beverly Hills. But authorities believe that the duo had a dark side. Driven by desire, they allegedly shot their parents multiple times at close range with a shotgun in order to inherit their wealth.

45-year-old Irene Seale and her husband, a former police officer and employee at Exxon Co., seemed like a regular suburban family. But in 1992, they kidnapped the president of Exxon Co., Sidney Reso, in the driveway of his New Jersey home. The New York Times called it a “twisted tale of a kidnapping and of dreams gone wrong.” They demanded a ransom of $18.5 million from his company and ended up killing Reso during a struggle. Greed was believed to be the motive of the crime; the Seales wanted to live a lavish lifestyle that they could not afford. She received 17 years after confessing.

Kim Kardashian is one of the most recognized women in the world. With millions of social media followers and a reality show that follows her moves 24/7, there's little Kardashian doesn't share with her legions of fans. In October 2016, her high profile lead to being robbed at gunpoint during Paris Fashion Week. The suspects disguised themselves as police officers and barged into her private apartment. Kardashian was bound and gagged and the criminals demanded she hand over her ring, a $4 million diamond from Kanye West, as well as her purse, two cell phones and money.

Everyone wants to live like a Hollywood star...even if they aren't. In 2008 and 2009, a group of suburban teens swiped $3 million in jewelry and luxury items from celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton. The celeb-obsessed criminals, known as the "Bling Ring," even inspired a movie about their thefts. They were: Rachel Lee (left), Diana Tamayo, Jonathan Ajar, Alexis Neiers, Nick Prugo, Courtney Ames and Roy Lopez Jr.

Since then, they have continued to fascinate the public and true crime fans.

[Photo: Getty Images, Pexels, LAPD]