Judge's waterfront mansion burns in possible arson as first responders use kayaks for dramatic rescue
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

South Carolina authorities are investigating a possible arson attack on a state judge’s house Saturday, which left the million-dollar waterfront mansion burned to the ground, according to authorities and local reports.

While authorities did not immediately release the homeowners’ names, the Post and Courier identified them as Circuit Court Judge Diane Schafer Goodstein, 69, and her husband, Arnold Goodstein, 81, a former member of both houses of the state legislature.

He once served as the commissioner of the South Carolina Department of Transportation and before that was wounded in the Tet offensive in the Vietnam War. He received a Bronze Star for heroism in action, twice, according to his state legislature bio.

Judge Goodstein in her robes in a portrat

A portrait of Judge Diane Goodstein from the South Carolina Courts website. (SC Courts)

Arnold Goodstein suffered injuries after jumping out of a window facing the backyard to escape the flames, the Post and Courier reported. The judge was walking their dogs at the time.

Three people were reportedly injured in the blaze. The couple have two adult children.

A combination image showing Flames and dark smoke billowing out of a waterfront mansion as a background behind a portrait of Judge Goodstein in her robe

Flames engulfed the waterfront home on Edisto Island Saturday. (St. Paul Fire District, SC Courts)

Authorities released a photo showing the towering waterfront home dwarfed by flames and clouds of black smoke.

A spokesperson for the State Law Enforcement Division, which is said to be investigating arson as a potential cause for the blaze, did not immediately respond to emailed questions. 

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Florida firefighter accused of chucking 75 red-stained tampons onto ex-boyfriend's yard

Florida Firefighter Allegedly Threw 75 Red-Stained Tampons Into Ex-Boyfriend’s Yard

A firefighter from Florida finds herself in trouble after allegedly throwing 75…
Pritzker looks to take on Trump and win spotlight away from Newsom

Illinois and Chicago File Lawsuit Against Trump Regarding National Guard Deployment

() — The State of Illinois and City of Chicago are suing the…
Stylish Nicole Kidman puts on a brave face

Chic Nicole Kidman Faces Challenges with Grace

The stars were out in force for one of the biggest events…
Inside America's infamous Supermax prison

A Look Inside America’s Most Notorious Supermax Prison

The former warden of America’s most notorious prison has lifted the lid…
Dallas train shooting leaves 1 dead, second homicide on DART transit system in a week

Dallas train shooting leaves 1 dead, second homicide on DART transit system in a week

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! One person is dead…
Far-left University of Chicago professor charged with violent felonies during anti-ICE riots in Broadview

Far-left University of Chicago professor charged with violent felonies during anti-ICE riots in Broadview

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A far-left professor at…
Jilly Cooper dies aged 88

Beloved Author Jilly Cooper Passes Away at 88

Tributes have poured in for celebrated novelist Dame Jilly Cooper after her…
Looking for leniency on your assassination charge? Just say you're trans and watch the judge fawn

Hoping for a lighter sentence on your assassination charge? Some suggest claiming a transgender identity might influence the judge’s decision.

On Friday, we all learned a valuable lesson: if you’re a criminal…