Authorities ruled out arson Monday night after flames gutted Judge Diane Goodstein’s waterfront residence on Edisto Island. Initial suspicions pointed to foul play amid threats tied to her courtroom decisions, yet investigators found zero proof of deliberate ignition.
Video footage captured chaos: three-story elevated home swallowed by fire, thick black smoke rolling over shoreline. Emergency alerts blared across Edisto Beach, warning of structure blaze with people trapped inside.
Goodstein escaped unharmed, strolling nearby beach during outbreak. Her husband, ex-state senator, leaped into marsh alongside two companions to flee inferno. Kayak teams plucked survivors from muck; medics airlifted Goodstein’s spouse straight to hospital for treatment. Two others suffered injuries escaping blaze.
South Carolina chief justice had ramped up security for Goodstein, spooked by potential retaliation over bench rulings. “No evidence suggests intentional act right now,” lead investigator noted during briefing.
The South Carolina Supreme Court said in a statement that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) responded to the scene and is investigating the cause of the fire. “Local law enforcement partners have been alerted and asked to provide extra patrols and security. The Judicial Branch will remain in close communication with SLED,” the statement added.
“SLED’s investigation is active and ongoing,” the agency told ABC News.
Last month, Goodstein blocked the South Carolina Election Commission from providing the Department of Justice with millions of voter files that included personal names, addresses, driver’s license numbers and social security numbers, according to court documents.
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Probe continues, though early signs scream mishap over malice. Fire marshal teams sifted ashes for origins – faulty wiring or overlooked spark, perhaps. Community breathes easier; judge resumes duties soon, sources say.
Chief investigative correspondent Aaron Kurski contributed reporting from scene.
This story develops; updates follow as facts emerge.
