Judge Goodstein's Edisto Home Destroyed; Arson Probe

A massive blaze Saturday destroyed the Edisto Beach waterfront home tied to South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein, reducing the three-story house to charred supports and sending towering smoke into the sky. Three people were injured; one was airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina after suffering multiple fractures, including Goodstein’s husband, former state Sen. Arnold Goodstein, who reportedly jumped from the elevated first floor, and several occupants were rescued from the marshy backyard by kayak. Goodstein was not at the house during the fire and has told reporters she is “alright.” The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has opened an investigation, says the cause remains unknown, and is treating arson as a possible cause while law enforcement has increased patrols in the area. Authorities said they will consider whether recent threats tied to Goodstein’s temporary restraining order over voter‑data disclosure are relevant to the probe.