A massive blaze reduced a South Carolina judge’s beachfront home to ashes on Saturday morning, sending three family members — including her husband, a former state senator — to the hospital.
Authorities are investigating the fire that tore through the Edisto Beach residence of Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein, 69. Her husband, former State Senator Arnold Goodstein, was among those injured after reportedly leaping from the burning home to help others escape.
The four-bedroom, four-bath, three-story home — valued at more than $1.1 million — went up in flames around 11:30 a.m. Witnesses captured dramatic drone footage showing smoke and fire engulfing all levels of the property.
Judge Goodstein was walking along the beach when the fire erupted, according to sources who spoke with FITSNews. Several family members, including children and grandchildren, were inside at the time.
South Carolina Chief Justice John Kittredge said the blaze was caused by an “apparent explosion.”
“Judge Goodstein was walking on the beach when the fire started. Her husband, Arnie, was in the house with children and perhaps grandchildren. The family had to escape by jumping from a window or balcony. I’m told there were injuries from the fall, such as broken legs,” Kittredge said.
Goodstein’s husband sustained multiple broken bones in his hips, legs, and feet after jumping from the home and was airlifted to the hospital. Their son, Arnold Goodstein II, was also among the three family members hospitalized. Their current conditions remain unclear.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is leading the investigation. Chief Mark Keel said his team is still determining whether the fire was accidental or arson and has ordered increased patrols near the area.
“At this time, we do not know whether the fire was accidental or arson,” Kittredge added. “Chief Keel has alerted local law enforcement to provide extra patrols and security.”
Sources told FITSNews that Judge Goodstein had received multiple death threats in recent weeks, though it remains unclear if they are connected to the fire.
“She’s had multiple death threats over the years,” a fellow judge told the outlet.
Just last month, Goodstein drew attention for her role in a controversial voter data case. She issued a temporary restraining order blocking the South Carolina Election Commission from sharing voter information with the U.S. Department of Justice. However, the state Supreme Court later overturned her order, criticizing her handling of the case for failing to show potential harm or the likelihood of the lawsuit’s success.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation as authorities continue to examine whether foul play was involved.
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