A serene Saturday on Edisto Island was shattered when flames consumed the beachfront residence of South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein and her husband, Arnold Goodstein, a former Democratic state senator. The incident, which occurred in the private Jeremy Cay community approximately an hour from Charleston, resulted in injuries to three individuals and has sparked a state-led investigation.
The four-bedroom, four-bathroom property, estimated to be worth around $1.1 million, became a scene of chaos as thick smoke billowed and neighbors, alongside emergency crews, scrambled to address the crisis. The home's remote barrier island setting posed significant logistical challenges, with marshlands, tidal creeks, and narrow roads impeding access. According to reports from The Gateway Pundit, the St. Paul’s Fire District highlighted the difficulty in managing the blaze due to the limited water supply and the complications involved in navigating the marshy terrain.
In a dramatic turn of events, several occupants were forced to leap from the elevated first floor into the marsh below to escape the inferno. First responders utilized kayaks to reach the victims and ferry them to waiting ambulances. Arnold Goodstein suffered severe fractures to his hips, legs, and feet during the escape and was subsequently airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina for treatment. The conditions of the two other injured parties, transported by ground ambulance, have not been disclosed.
At the time of the fire, Judge Goodstein, aged 69, was not present in the home, as she was walking her dogs along the beach. Despite the rapid response, firefighters found the structure fully engulfed upon arrival, and the home was reduced to rubble. Video footage captured the devastating extent of the fire, which spread quickly through the property.
Judge Goodstein, who has served as a Resident Circuit Judge since 1998, is known for her extensive career and for presiding over numerous high-profile cases. The investigation into the cause of the fire is being led by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), with Chief Mark Keel acknowledging the possibility of arson. South Carolina Chief Justice John Kittredge emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the fire's origin and urged the community to remain alert.
Public records indicate that Arnold Goodstein was previously involved in a homebuilding company that declared bankruptcy in 2008. The couple, who have two adult children, is well-regarded in the Charleston area for their contributions to public service and family life.
As fire investigators and the State Fire Marshal's office continue their work to ascertain the fire's cause, officials warn that the process may be lengthy due to the complete loss of the property and the meticulous examination of debris required.
