Agents investigate cause of fire that destroyed judge's home on South Carolina island

"The State Law Enforcement Division confirmed Monday it is investigating the fire but has released no other details about a possible cause or the people in the home. Local law enforcement is providing extra patrols and security as state agents investigate, Chief Justice John Kittredge said in a statement. Three people were hurt in the blaze and one of them was taken by helicopter to the Medical University of South Carolina, according to Colleton County Fire-Rescue."

"The house's first floor is elevated from the ground and the injured had to jump to the ground. Several then had to be rescued by kayaks from the swampy back yard, the St. Paul's Fire District said in a statement on social media. Video from the fire department showed the home fully engulfed in flames. Drone photos taken over the scene later showed only a few charred wooden supports standing amid the blackened rubble."

"Goodstein has been a state judge for 27 years, handling thousands of cases. The General Assembly elects judges in South Carolina and when Goodstein last ran for her seat in 2022, the Judicial Merit Screening Commission noted her sterling reputation and temperament and called her as asset to the state. Nearly two decades ago, Goodstein presided over a civil lawsuit that led to a $12 million settlement between victims of sexual abuse and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston."

An intense fire nearly destroyed a home on remote Edisto Island owned by Circuit Judge Diane Goodstein. The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating and has released no details about cause or occupants. Local law enforcement is providing extra patrols and security. Three people were injured; one was airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina. The home's raised first floor forced occupants to jump, and several were rescued by kayaks from a swampy backyard. Drone photos later showed only charred supports amid blackened rubble. Goodstein has served as a state judge for 27 years and presided over major cases, including a $12 million settlement for sexual abuse victims against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston.

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