Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein’s $1.5 million beachfront home at Edisto Beach was recently turned to ashes after a massive fire engulfed it. The incident happened around 11:30 am on Saturday, October 4, 2025, while the South Carolina judge was walking her dogs.
Diane’s elderly husband, Arnold Goodstein, a longtime Democratic supporter who served in the South Carolina House of Representatives for a long period, was in the house when the incident occurred. Several of the couple’s family members were also present in the house, including children and grandchildren, according to reports. Conversations surrounding the incident suggest that Arnold was the one who assisted the others and moved them to safety before fleeing the situation himself. Discussions also hinted that the people trapped inside the home had to escape by jumping from windows and balconies.
Following the incident, South Carolina Chief Justice John Kittredge, in a statement to the Daily Mail, attributed the reason for the fire to an “apparent explosion.” He also provided details of the incident, highlighting the circumstances under which it took place as well as its outcomes. He said:
“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.”
After everyone had exited the building, they were taken to nearby medical facilities for immediate care. Some people had to be airlifted due to the severity of their injuries. Arnold Goodstein was among those who were transported through the air. Reports suggest that he sustained several broken bones in his legs, feet, and hip, which explains the immediacy of his receiving medical care.
While the authorities look for the people behind this incident, some people cannot help but theorise about a few things. In early September, Judge Diane Goodstein found herself at the centre of a controversial case involving the submission of voter registration documents to the federal government. She ruled against the Trump administration, temporarily halting its practices. This decision, however, was met with strong backlash from his supporters, who reportedly sent her death threats.
No one is putting words in anyone’s mouth here, but would it be too surprising if it turns out that someone set her house on fire, someone who is one of them?
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