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EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: Disturbing 911 recordings from the October inferno that destroyed a South Carolina judge’s residence capture her son urgently informing dispatchers that four individuals were caught on the upper floor while the lower level was consumed by flames. This occurred moments before multiple explosions reverberated through the high-end waterfront area.
Although deputies initially classified the blaze as “suspicious,” detectives found no “apparent evidence of criminal activity,” according to an incident report accessed by Fox News Digital. The judge, a well-known figure, had previously been the target of “documented threats,” and authorities expressed concern over potential attacks targeting the Jewish community.
Fox News Digital acquired the emergency calls and dispatch records via a public records request.
“We’re trapped,” the caller urgently relayed to a dispatcher. “Trapped inside the house!”
A fire erupted at the residence of a South Carolina judge, resulting in injuries to her husband, a Vietnam War veteran, along with other family members. Fortunately, all occupants managed to escape from the home.
His 69-year-old mom, Judge Diane Goodstein, was outside walking her dogs when the fire broke out, but her family appeared to be unsure of her whereabouts. Her son could be heard telling her husband to call her while he was on the phone with 911.
Arnold Goodstein, the judge’s 81-year-old husband — a former state lawmaker and Vietnam War veteran who earned two Bronze Stars — jumped out a window to safety.
Listen to the 911 audio from Arnold Goodstein II:
“I’ve broke my legs,” he can be heard saying in the 911 audio. “Help!”
A fire broke out at a South Carolina judge’s home, injuring her Vietnam War veteran husband and other family members inside. (Robby Borden/TMX)
Several minutes later, his son, Arnold Goodstein II, told the dispatcher that the people still inside had escaped the burning building, but his father was injured.
“We jumped,” he said. “He’s 81. He hurt his leg.”
And they weren’t out of danger yet. The younger Goodstein and another man could be heard expressing concern that the flames would reach the home’s propane tank.
Circuit Judge Diane Goodstein presides over a trial in a lawsuit between the Diocese of South Carolina and the national Episcopal church on July 8, 2014, in St. George, S.C. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins, File)
“Get to the water, to just be safe,” another voice said, possibly a first responder.
“I’m worried about the propane tank,” the younger Goodstein replied.
“Oh, that s— is gonna blow,” the other man responded.
An incident report obtained by Fox News Digital mentions “several notable explosions” witnessed by residents and first responders.
Flames engulfed the waterfront home on Edisto Island. (St. Paul Fire District)
Two other people also suffered injuries, but ultimately, everyone made it out alive.
More than a dozen other callers contacted 911 to report seeing smoke and flames from the surrounding neighborhood and nearby beaches.
Judge Goodstein has been on the bench since 1998. Earlier this year, she ruled against the Justice Department in a dispute over voter data with the South Carolina elections commission, but she was later overruled by a higher court.
Investigators later said that they found no evidence of arson.