It was a calm Saturday morning on Edisto Beach — the kind of quiet coastal scene where waves murmur and neighbors wave from porches. But just before noon, that peace shattered. Thick black smoke began rising over the marshfront, and soon, flames consumed the home of South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein and her husband, former state senator Arnold Goodstein. What began as an ordinary day turned into a scene of chaos and disbelief, leaving the small beach community stunned and investigators racing to uncover the cause.
According to reports, the fire erupted around 11:30 a.m. on October 4, 2025, at the Goodsteins’ three-story home in the Jeremy Cay neighborhood. Judge Goodstein had been walking her dogs when the fire broke out, while her husband was still inside the home. Witnesses described seeing heavy smoke before hearing what sounded like an explosion. With the fire spreading rapidly, Arnold was forced to leap from the back of the burning house into the nearby marsh, where neighbors and first responders rushed to pull him to safety. Two others were also rescued from the scene, and several people were hospitalized — one airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina for emergency treatment.
Officials from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) are investigating the incident, but as of now, the exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Early statements from state officials, including South Carolina Chief Justice John Kittredge, confirmed that investigators have not ruled out any possibilities — including arson. Local law enforcement has since increased patrols near the judge’s residence as a precaution. The incident comes just weeks after Judge Goodstein presided over a politically sensitive voter privacy case, heightening public curiosity and concern about whether the fire may have been connected to her judicial role.
Judge Diane Goodstein is widely respected for her decades of service to the South Carolina legal community. Elected to the Circuit Court bench in 1998, she has long been recognized for her fairness, professionalism, and commitment to justice. Her husband, Arnold, is also well known for his years in public service and military background. Together, they’ve built a life rooted in community and faith — one now tested by tragedy. As investigators continue their work, friends, neighbors, and colleagues across the state have rallied in support, hoping the Goodsteins find strength and answers after a fire that has shaken both their home and their community.