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
Tom Brady reveals his dog Junie is a CLONE of old family pet, Lua

Tom Brady’s Shocking Revelation: Meet Junie, the Perfect Clone of Beloved Pet Lua

Tom Brady’s newest furry family member might seem like déjà vu to…
AOC’s 'red light district’ prostitution crisis will engulf NYC if Mamdani wins mayor’s race, rivals warn

NYC’s Future at Stake: Rivals Warn of Prostitution Surge if Mamdani Wins Mayoral Race

Curtis Sliwa and Andrew Cuomo are raising alarms that a notorious section…
New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks at Dutch Kills Playground on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in the Queens borough of New York. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

New York’s Jewish Community Faces Tension and Concerns Over Mamdani’s Critique of Israel

NEW YORK (AP) — As New York City approaches an election that…
A hidden camera captures Arlington Public Schools

Arlington Schools Stand Firm Against Federal Pressure, Uphold Transgender Rights Despite Funding Risks

FIRST ON FOX: The Arlington Public Schools (APS) in Virginia have taken…
Florida boater rescues two people from vessel engulfed in flames off coast

Florida Boater Heroically Rescues Two from Flaming Vessel Off Coast

A dramatic rescue unfolded off the Florida coast on Monday when a…
ICE Chicago news: Federal immigration agents detain man at Prospect Heights, Illinois apartment complex, video shows

Federal Immigration Agents Arrest Man at Prospect Heights Apartment Complex, Captured on Video

In Prospect Heights, Illinois, federal agents descended upon an apartment complex around…
'No immediate action' required: SF official after plutonium detected

San Francisco Officials Assure Public Safety After Plutonium Detection: No Immediate Action Necessary

San Francisco health authorities have assured the public that there is no…
Seattle mayor election results 2025

2025 Albuquerque Mayoral Election: Comprehensive Results and Analysis

On Tuesday, Albuquerque’s voters will head to the polls with a significant…