Christopher Nolan wrote letter to judge after brother accused of being a ‘hitman’
Christopher Nolan reportedly wrote to a judge asking for mercy after his brother was suspected of being a hitman, using 'Oppenheimer' as his name.
Matthew Nolan, the oldest of the three Nolan brothers, worked as a property developer in Chicago and ran into money problems, filing for bankruptcy in 2009.
That same year, authorities in Costa Rica wanted Matthew extradited from the US over the death of Florida accountant Robert Cohen.
Cohen was found dead in Costa Rica in 2005 and Matthew was accused of kidnapping and murder, as well as using a fake document.
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Costa Rican authorities claimed Matthew had been involved in a plan to kidnap Cohen because of a dispute over $7 million.
They said Cohen was forced into a car rented by Matthew and taken away.
However, a US judge refused to extradite Matthew on the kidnapping and murder charges, noting that there was not enough evidence to prove that he had planned to kidnap or kill Cohen, or that he had committed any violence.
While Matthew was being held in a Chicago prison, guards discovered items in his cell that they believed could be used in an escape attempt. These included rope, a homemade harness and a metal clip.
Notes were also found that appeared to discuss escaping from the prison.
According to The Daily Mail, the Batman Begins director wrote a letter to the judge asking for leniency in June 2010.
“My brother supported me during this time with a loyalty that I have to believe would still characterise his attitude towards helping those who might need him,” he allegedly wrote.
“He looked out for me without regard for himself, and I believe this suggests the depth of his commitment to family.
“My older brother was extremely close to our father, and whilst Matt's situation was a confusing and heartbreaking one for my father to face, his love for his eldest son never wavered.
“I am convinced that whatever else might be said about the effect of Matt's imprisonment, his not being able to be present at our father's death bed, not being able to say goodbye to the father he respected and loved so much, has been an awful punishment for him.
“Knowing my brother's commitment to family, I believe that the shame and hardship his incarceration has brought on them means that his punishment has already been substantial.
“I believe that he would seize upon a second chance to show that he is a man capable of good on behalf of his wife and children, and good on behalf of society as a whole.”
Matthew later pleaded guilty to two charges linked to the escape attempt.
He was sentenced to 14 months in prison, but was released because he had already served that amount of time.
The murder and kidnapping allegations against him remained unproven.
Matthew’s lawyers said he was innocent of all charges and that he is sorry for the Cohen family's loss.
LADbible Group has contacted Christopher Nolan’s representatives for comment.
Topics: Christopher Nolan, Celebrity
Anish Vij