A mansion in Los Angeles has been vandalized with graffiti, marking it as the second property owned by the son of a Major League Baseball franchise owner that has been defaced.

Images and aerial videos taken on Tuesday showcased the multi-level residence in the Hollywood Hills area, covered in spray paint.

The property has been vacant for numerous years and is located five miles south of another mansion owned by John S. Middleton, the owner of the Philadelphia Phillies. This property belongs to 40-year-old producer John Powers Middleton and has been uninhabited for so long that it has become a site for squatters, raising safety issues for local residents.

Councilmember Nithya Raman, who oversees the district where the homes are located, confirmed that both properties are owned by the same person, though she did not specify who. In a statement to YSL News on Tuesday, Raman noted that the owner is “in blatant violation of the law” and mentioned that the Department of Building and Safety is taking action to review and enhance security measures.

“This poses a public safety risk that has serious implications for both residents and the nearby community. Irresponsible property owners must be held accountable for their properties or they will face repercussions from the city,” Raman said in her statement.

YSL News has reached out to the Philadelphia Phillies and John Powers Middleton’s representatives for comments, as well as to the Los Angeles Police Department for further information.

Violent incidents reported at the vacant property

The empty building has been the scene of multiple violent events in recent times.

A local resident recounted an incident where a squatter was attacking a neighbor with a steel bar and a beer bottle, as per KABC. The report indicated that police have sometimes escorted individuals out of the property, only to have it reoccupied by squatters a few hours later.

In January 2022, the LA police arrested an armed individual who was illegally residing in the house with a dog, according to KABC. In August 2023, authorities were called when the property was found entirely covered in graffiti, and furniture was discovered in the swimming pool.

Recent drone footage indicated the house had been cleaned and repainted, only for more graffiti to reappear the following Monday night, as reported by KABC.

Back in 2014, the Department of Building and Safety issued a notice regarding unruly vegetation, according to KNBC. Since August 2022, at least eight notices have been issued for the vacant property.

Who is John Powers Middleton?

John Powers Middleton, age 40, is a film producer and the son of John S. Middleton, the owner of the Philadelphia Phillies.

A Philadelphia native, he has worked on projects like the 2014 film “The Lego Movie” and the 2016 film “Manchester by the Sea,” as well as TV series like “Bates Motel,” according to IMDb.

The mansion exclusively belongs to John Powers Middleton, confirmed by a Phillies representative to KNBC.

He reportedly acquired the Hollywood Hills property in 2012, as noted by KNBC. In October 2022, the LA Department of Building and Safety labeled the estate a nuisance and required Middleton to install a fence. When he failed to do so, city workers stepped in to put up the fence to deter squatters from entering.

This Italian villa-style residence was constructed in 2008 and is described as having six bedrooms, a screening room, both indoor and outdoor pools, and a wine cellar.