It started as a peaceful Saturday morning on Edisto Beach — calm waves, soft breeze, and neighbors greeting each other along the quiet coastal stretch. But that serenity was shattered just before noon when thick plumes of black smoke rose over the marshland. Within minutes, flames engulfed the home of South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein and her husband, former state senator Arnold Goodstein, turning an ordinary day into a scene of chaos and disbelief.
According to local reports, the fire broke out around 11:30 a.m. on October 4, 2025, at the couple’s three-story residence in the Jeremy Cay neighborhood. Judge Goodstein had been out walking her dogs when the blaze began, while her husband was still inside. Witnesses recalled seeing dense smoke and hearing what sounded like an explosion before the fire spread rapidly through the home.
Arnold Goodstein was forced to jump from the back of the burning structure into the nearby marsh. Neighbors and first responders quickly rushed to pull him to safety. Two others were rescued from the scene as well, with several people hospitalized — one of whom was airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina for critical treatment.
Officials from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) are currently investigating the cause of the fire. So far, authorities have not determined what sparked the blaze and have not ruled out any possibilities, including arson. Chief Justice John Kittredge confirmed that investigators are pursuing every lead. In the meantime, law enforcement has increased patrols in the area surrounding the judge’s home as a precaution.
The timing of the incident has drawn public attention, coming just weeks after Judge Goodstein presided over a high-profile voter privacy case. This has fueled speculation about whether the fire could be linked to her recent judicial duties, though no evidence has yet supported that theory.
Judge Diane Goodstein, elected to the Circuit Court bench in 1998, is known for her integrity, professionalism, and long-standing commitment to justice in South Carolina. Her husband, Arnold, is equally respected for his years in public service and his military background. Together, they’ve been pillars of their community — one now rallying around them in the wake of tragedy.
As the investigation continues, friends, neighbors, and colleagues across the state have expressed an outpouring of support. The Goodsteins’ story has become one of both shock and resilience, as they face rebuilding after a fire that has shaken not only their home, but the close-knit coastal community they’ve long called home.
