EXCLUSIVE ON FOX: Heartbreaking 911 recordings from an October blaze that destroyed the home of a South Carolina judge reveal her son urgently informing dispatchers that four individuals were trapped on the second floor as flames consumed the lower level. The situation escalated with several explosions resonating throughout the upscale waterfront neighborhood.
Though deputies initially described the fire as “suspicious,” an incident report acquired by Fox News Digital indicates that detectives did not uncover any “obvious signs of criminal activity.” The house belonged to a well-known judge who had received “documented threats.” Additionally, authorities expressed concern about potential targeted attacks within the Jewish community.
Fox News Digital obtained the 911 calls and dispatch logs through a public records request.
“We’re trapped,” the caller urgently relayed to a dispatcher. “Trapped inside the house!”
The devastating fire erupted at the home of Judge Diane Goodstein, injuring her husband, a Vietnam War veteran, along with other family members. Fortunately, everyone managed to escape the inferno.
Judge Goodstein, who was outside walking her dogs when the fire ignited, remained unaccounted for by her family initially. Her son is heard instructing her husband to contact her while he remained on the line with emergency services.
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.
