South Carolina Judge Diane Goodstein’s Home Is Destroyed in Suspected Arson Attack

An investigation is underway into the fire that left three people hospitalized and destroyed the $1.5 million beachfront property of longtime South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein.

Fire officials are looking at arson as the cause of the fire that broke out on Saturday afternoon in a gated area of Jeremy Cay on Edisto Island, SC. St. Paul's Fire District crews responded to reports of fire with entrapment, but encountered significant obstacles, including limited water access and tight pathways—typical of the barrier island community.

People inside the home, including her husband, former state Sen. Arnold Goodstein, were forced to jump from the first floor to escape the fire, according to New York Post. Some were rescued using kayaks from the backyard, as reported by WYFF. Three people were taken to the Medical University of South Carolina, including one airlifted from the scene. Their current conditions have not been released.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) confirmed it has launched an active investigation.

“SLED is investigating a house fire in Colleton County. The investigation is active and ongoing,” said Renée Wunderlich, public information director for the agency.

The home, located in an exclusive coastal community, was owned by Judge Goodstein, a 27-year veteran of the South Carolina bench. She was reportedly walking on the beach at the time of the fire.

“I’m all right,” Judge Goodstein told the Daily Mail on Monday. She declined to comment further but added she would “be happy to direct you to a court administrator.”

South Carolina Chief Justice John Kittredge said the fire stemmed from an “apparent explosion.”

“Judge Goodstein was walking on the beach when the fire started," he added. "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.”

St. Paul's Fire District released photos from the scene, which show the home engulfed in flames.

Security concerns surrounding Goodstein had recently intensified. In early September, she issued a controversial ruling blocking South Carolina from turning over sensitive voter registration data to the Trump administration. Her decision halted the release of personal information of over 3.3 million voters, including Social Security numbers and driver’s license numbers.

“There is a likelihood that immediate and irreparable damage will result to Plaintiff if her personal information data is released in violation of her right to privacy,” Goodstein wrote in the Sept. 2 order.

The ruling drew swift backlash. Gov. Henry McMaster filed an emergency petition to overturn the order. While there is currently no evidence linking the fire to political retaliation, the Daily Mail reports Goodstein had received multiple death threats in recent weeks.

Democratic Congressman Daniel Goldman pointed the finger at Trump allies online, writing on X: “Stephen Miller and MAGA-world have been doxxing and threatening judges who rule against Trump, including Judge Goodstein. Today, someone committed arson on the Judge’s home, severely injuring her husband and son.”

Miller called the accusation “deeply warped and vile,” but did not directly address the doxxing claims.
In the meantime, Kittredge said state officials are stepping up protection for members of the judiciary.

“Local law enforcement partners have been alerted and asked to provide extra patrols and security. The Judicial Branch will remain in close communication with SLED.”

Goodstein, originally from Dillon, was elected to the bench in 1998 and has presided over numerous high-profile cases throughout her career.

A judge close to her told Economic Times, “She’s had multiple death threats over the years.”

As of Monday afternoon, no arrests have been made. SLED continues to investigate the cause of the fire.