On Monday, October 6, 2025, Fox News reported that South Carolina authorities have found no evidence suggesting that a fire that destroyed a million-dollar waterfront mansion belonging to a state judge was intentionally set. The home, owned by Circuit Court Judge Diane Schafer Goodstein and her husband, Arnold Goodstein, was located on an exclusive island in Colleton County.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Chief Mark Keel announced that the fire at Judge Goodstein’s Edisto home did not appear to be deliberately ignited. Governor Henry McMaster echoed this sentiment, urging the public to refrain from sharing unverified information while the investigation remains active.
The fire occurred on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Images and aerial videos depicted flames and black smoke engulfing the home. Firefighters from St. Paul Fire District assisted the Edisto Beach Fire Department in battling the blaze. The location of the house on a barrier island presented challenges due to limited water supply and tight spaces, according to St. Paul officials in a Facebook post. First responders resorted to using kayaks to rescue the occupants from the backyard as the house was consumed by flames.
Arnold Goodstein, 81, a former member of both houses of the state legislature and a Vietnam War veteran, reportedly suffered injuries after jumping out of a window to escape the fire. He had previously served as the commissioner of the South Carolina Department of Transportation and was awarded a Bronze Star for heroism in action, twice. Judge Goodstein, 69, was reportedly walking their dogs at the time of the incident.
Three people were reportedly injured in the blaze. Judge Goodstein told the Daily Mail that she was “all right” but deferred further comment to the court administrator.
Renée Wunderlich, the director of public information for SLED, confirmed that state investigators were examining the cause of the fire. She stated that the investigation is active and ongoing, and more information may be released as the case progresses.
Judge Goodstein has served as a judge since 1998. Last month, she ruled against the Justice Department in a dispute over voter data with the South Carolina elections commission, but her ruling was later overturned by a higher court.
Source: Fox News
