Judge’s $1.5M beach home burns weeks after ruling in DOJ voter-data case
South Carolina circuit judge Diane Goodstein’s Edisto Beach house destroyed; investigators say no sign of arson or pre-fire explosion
A weekend blaze leveled Judge Diane Goodstein’s oceanfront home on Edisto Beach, injuring three family members who escaped by jumping from an elevated floor. State investigators say there is no evidence—at this stage—that the fire was intentionally set.
Fire crews rushed to the property Saturday after flames engulfed the raised home. With limited water access and swampy terrain behind the house, rescuers used kayaks to reach and move occupants to EMS. Three people were hospitalized; one was airlifted. Goodstein was not inside the home when the fire started.
South Carolina’s Law Enforcement Division (SLED) said early findings show no evidence the fire was set intentionally and no evidence of a pre-fire explosion, urging the public to avoid speculation while the probe continues. Earlier references to an “apparent explosion” have not been borne out by investigators’ preliminary review.
The incident comes weeks after Goodstein issued a temporary restraining order that halted South Carolina’s release of detailed voter data to the U.S. Department of Justice—names, addresses, birth dates and partial Social Security information—for a federal review. The South Carolina Supreme Court later reversed that order, and a different judge declined to extend a block on the transfer, allowing the data-sharing to proceed under security safeguards.
The fire sparked debate over threats aimed at judges. Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-NY) pointed to extreme rhetoric from allies of President Trump and criticized White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller in posts on X. Miller blasted Goldman’s comments as “vile” and accused Democrats of ignoring left-wing violence.
BREAKING: South Carolina Judge Diane Goodstein’s home is burning to the ground after an apparent explosion.
— Spencer Hakimian (@SpencerHakimian) October 5, 2025
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Goodstein, a veteran South Carolina circuit judge, has presided over several high-profile cases. Local officials say extra patrols were assigned for judicial security as SLED continues its work. Community members shared video showing heavy smoke and flames tearing through the waterfront property.
Authorities emphasize the investigation is active and that unfounded claims can hinder public understanding. For now, the focus remains on the family’s recovery and on determining how the fire started.
House fires leave little behind but questions. As investigators sort through debris and rumor alike, the facts so far are plain: a home is gone, loved ones were hurt, and a probe is underway without evidence of arson. The rest will depend on what the evidence shows.
