Director Christopher Nolan, known for films like "The Odyssey," "Dunkirk," and "Interstellar," personally intervened in a complex legal battle involving his older brother, Matthew Nolan, who was accused of aggravated kidnapping and murder in Costa Rica.
Documents indicate that in 2009, Matthew Nolan, then a property developer in Chicago, faced an extradition request from Costa Rica related to the 2005 death of Robert Cohen, a Florida accountant. Costa Rican authorities alleged that Matthew Nolan was hired to kidnap and torture Cohen over a dispute involving $7 million. According to the allegations detailed in a judge's summary, Matthew Nolan and another individual, Luis Alonso Douglas Mejia, were accused of carrying out the kidnapping and intending to end Cohen's life.
However, a U.S. judge refused the extradition request for aggravated kidnapping and homicide, citing a lack of substantiated evidence linking Matthew Nolan to the murder charges. The judge found evidence that Matthew Nolan was with Cohen at the time of the kidnapping and that the vehicle used belonged to him, but stated there was insufficient proof that he was retained as a "hired killer" or ordered the alleged actions.
The judge did approve the extradition request based on the charge of using a false document, specifically a fraudulent British passport used to open a bank account in Costa Rica. Following his arrest during a bankruptcy hearing, Matthew Nolan was held at the Metropolitan Correctional Centre (MCC) in Chicago.
While in custody, Matthew Nolan was indicted in October 2009 on five counts related to an alleged escape attempt from the MCC. Court documents detailed materials found in his cell, including rope, a harness, and a metal clip, which were reportedly used to open handcuffs. He was accused of using code words to discuss his escape plans with another inmate.
It was during this period that Christopher Nolan wrote a letter to the court seeking leniency for his brother. Dated June 28, 2010, the letter described the situation as "heartbreaking" and noted the hardship Matthew had already endured, including his absence during their father's final days. Christopher Nolan expressed his belief that his brother's incarceration had already served as substantial punishment and that Matthew would seize a second chance to demonstrate his capacity for good.
Matthew Nolan eventually pleaded guilty to two counts related to the escape attempt from the MCC and was sentenced to 14 months in prison. Having already served that time, he was released and placed on a two-year supervised release. The Costa Rican authorities stated that the evidence deemed insufficient by the U.S. judge was the same evidence used to convict Mejia in Costa Rica.
Subsequently, Matthew Nolan sued the U.S. government for medical malpractice and guards at the MCC, citing his treatment while in prison. Both lawsuits were dismissed. Lawyers for Matthew Nolan have previously stated his innocence of the charges and expressed sorrow for the Cohen family's loss. Representatives for the Cohen family have previously stated they hoped Matthew Nolan would face justice.