Actor Austin Butler has acquired a Los Feliz residence from Brad Pitt for $5.2 million, a property that was the target of a burglary just three months prior. The sale of the 2,000-square-foot home, known for its modern architecture, closed approximately one week ago.
The transaction comes after Pitt purchased the home in 2023 for $5.5 million. The property gained recent attention following a break-in on June 25, during which thieves reportedly caused significant disarray and stole several items. Despite the incident, the sale to Butler proceeded quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Austin Butler purchased Brad Pitt's Los Feliz home for $5.2 million.
- The sale occurred roughly three months after a burglary at the property on June 25.
- The 2,000-square-foot home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a pool, and a sauna.
- The incident is part of a larger pattern of high-profile burglaries targeting celebrities and athletes in the Los Angeles area.
Details of the Property Transaction
The sale of the Los Feliz property marks a notable exchange between two prominent Hollywood actors. Austin Butler, 34, finalized the purchase for $5.2 million, slightly under the $5.5 million Brad Pitt, 61, paid for it in 2023. The home served as Pitt's primary Los Angeles residence until the recent security breach.
Known locally as the "steel house," the residence is distinguished by its unique design. The structure spans 2,000 square feet and includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Key features of the property include a resort-style swimming pool, a private sauna, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that provide abundant natural light.
A Noteworthy Architectural Piece
The "steel house" is recognized for its modern architectural style, emphasizing open spaces and natural light. This type of design is popular in the affluent Los Feliz neighborhood, which is known for its collection of architecturally significant homes. Pitt acquired this property after selling a much larger Los Angeles estate he once shared with his ex-wife, Angelina Jolie, for $33 million.
The June Burglary Incident
The property became the subject of a police investigation following a break-in on the evening of June 25. According to law enforcement reports, the incident occurred while Brad Pitt was out of the country. He had attended the London premiere of his film "F1" just two days earlier, on June 23.
Authorities stated that burglars gained access to the home at approximately 10:30 p.m. by climbing a fence and breaking a window. The Los Angeles Police Department was alerted to the intrusion by a triggered security alarm. Upon arrival, officers confirmed that a break-in had occurred.
Sources familiar with the investigation told the Los Angeles Times that the intruders appeared to have searched the home for valuables and "made a real mess" in the process.
Investigators were seen examining the premises for evidence on June 26. While police took four individuals into custody on August 7 in connection with the case, their names have not been released, and further details on the investigation remain limited.
A Wider Trend of Celebrity Home Invasions
The incident at Pitt's former home is not an isolated event. Law enforcement officials have noted a concerning trend of burglaries targeting high-profile individuals in the greater Los Angeles area. These crimes often involve sophisticated methods and target homes when the owners are known to be away.
Recent High-Profile Cases
Several other celebrities have been victims of similar crimes in recent months. The pattern highlights the security challenges faced by public figures.
- Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban: On Valentine's Day this year, their $8.4 million Beverly Hills mansion was targeted. The couple was not home, and an employee reportedly interrupted the intruder, causing them to flee.
- Olivier Giroud: The LAFC soccer player's home was broken into on February 5. His wife, Jennifer, discovered a broken window and reported the theft of approximately $500,000 worth of jewelry.
- Jennifer Aniston: In May, a man was arrested after driving his vehicle through the gates of her Bel-Air estate. Aniston was reportedly at home during the incident, and an on-site security guard detained the suspect until police arrived.
Law Enforcement Response
The Los Angeles Police Department has repeatedly warned about organized burglary rings that target affluent neighborhoods. These groups often conduct surveillance to learn residents' schedules before striking. Authorities have urged homeowners to enhance security measures, including alarms, cameras, and private security patrols.
Targeting of Professional Athletes
The trend of high-value burglaries extends beyond Hollywood actors to include professional athletes. A federal indictment unsealed on February 18 charged seven men in connection with a series of robberies targeting sports stars, including NFL quarterbacks Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce.
The case, filed in Tampa, Florida, named several suspects, some of whom were previously arrested for a break-in at Joe Burrow's home in Ohio. The individuals face a range of charges, including participating in a criminal gang and engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity.
The named defendants in the federal case are:
- Jordan Quiroga Sanchez, 22
- Bastian Orellano Morales, 23
- Sergio Ortega Cabello, 38
- Pablo Zuniga Cartes, 24
- Ignacio Zuniga Cartes, 20
- Alexander Huiaguil Chavez, 24
- Bastian Jimenez Freraut, 27
According to NBC News, four of the men had already pleaded not guilty to state-level charges in Ohio before the federal indictment was announced. These coordinated criminal efforts underscore the organized nature of the threat facing high-net-worth individuals across the country.
