A massive blaze gutted the beachfront home of South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein on Saturday morning, leaving her ex-senator husband, Arnold Goodstein, and two other family members hospitalized. Goodstein’s four-bedroom, four-bath $1,155,200 home, stretching up a three-story property on Edisto Beach, was engulfed in flames around 11.30 am as stunned neighbors looked on. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause, while dramatic drone footage captured the inferno consuming the residence.The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating the fire, a spokesperson confirmed. Although Goodstein was not present at the time, multiple family members, including her ex-senator husband Arnold Goodstein, were at home. South Carolina Chief Justice John Kittredge stated that the fire resulted from an “apparent explosion,” Daily Mail reported “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,” Kittredge said. Of the three family members hospitalised, Arnold Goodstein is reported to have leaped from the burning building after assisting other family members to escape. “Arnie’s injuries may have been the most serious, for he was airlifted to the hospital,” Kittredge added. He sustained multiple broken bones in his hips, legs and feet, according to reports. Another hospitalised individual is reported to be Goodstein’s son, Arnold Goodstein II. Their current condition remains unclear. Kittredge mentioned that SLED chief Mark Keel stated he would stay in touch and inform if there is any evidence of arson. “At this time, we do not know whether the fire was accidental or arson. Until that determination is made, Chief Keel has alerted local law enforcement to provide extra patrols and security,” he added. Goodstein had reportedly been receiving death threats in recent weeks. “She’s had multiple death threats over the years,” a judge close to Goodstein told the outlet. In early September, she was involved in a controversial case regarding whether voters’ personal information in South Carolina could be handed over to the government. Goodstein issued a temporary restraining order in early September, stemming from a lawsuit challenging the South Carolina Election Commission’s ability to provide voters’ data to the Department of Justice, The Gazette reported. However, the order was later overturned after a six-page opinion from the Supreme Court criticised Goodstein’s process in barring the state from complying. The Supreme Court, signed by all five justices, criticised Goodstein for not detailing the damage that would occur from the release of voters’ personal information, specifically that of Calhoun County voter Anne Crook, who filed the suit to prevent her information from being disclosed to the federal govt.
