Authorities in South Carolina are probing a suspected arson incident at a judge’s residence on Saturday, which resulted in the destruction of a million-dollar waterfront home, as reported by local sources and officials.
Although officials have yet to publicly disclose the names of the homeowners, the Post and Courier has identified them as Circuit Court Judge Diane Schafer Goodstein, aged 69, and her husband, Arnold Goodstein, aged 81, who is a former member of both houses of the state legislature.
Arnold previously held the position of commissioner for the South Carolina Department of Transportation and was a decorated veteran, having been wounded during the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War. His legislative biography mentions receiving the Bronze Star for heroic actions on two occasions.
A portrait of Judge Diane Goodstein from the South Carolina Courts website. (SC Courts)
According to the Post and Courier, Arnold Goodstein sustained injuries after he leaped out of a backyard-facing window to evade the fire, while Judge Goodstein was out walking their dogs.
Three people were reportedly injured in the blaze. The couple have two adult children.
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.
The State Law Enforcement Division, which is rumored to be looking into arson as a possible cause of the fire, has not yet responded to emailed inquiries.
