Fire at Judge Goodstein’s Edisto Beach Home: Explosion or Accident?

A fire at Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein’s Edisto Beach home left three people hospitalized on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is leading the investigation. Colleton County Fire-Rescue responded to the gated Jeremy Cay community and confirmed multiple transports to the Medical University of South Carolina.

Chief Justice John W. Kittredge said he is monitoring the situation. He directed extra patrols and security for judicial personnel. Officials have not announced a cause.

Key details on the fire at Judge Diane Goodstein’s residence

Emergency crews arrived as flames spread through the beachfront property. Residents and local outlets shared video showing heavy smoke and a structure fully involved. Fire-Rescue treated three patients at the scene.

One patient was airlifted to MUSC. Two others were transported by ground. Authorities did not immediately release their conditions.

Chief Justice Kittredge relayed reports of an “apparent explosion” before the blaze intensified. He also noted family members may have escaped by jumping from a window or balcony. SLED has not issued a public cause determination. Investigators are examining whether the fire was accidental or criminal.

The incident follows heightened attention around a recent voter-data case. In September, Judge Goodstein signed a temporary restraining order in a dispute over access to South Carolina voter information. The state Supreme Court later reversed that order, which drew significant public reaction. Officials have not linked the case to the fire.

Investigation status and what it means now

SLED’s fire and arson teams are processing the scene. Local agencies remain on standby. No suspects, arrests, or confirmed motives have been announced.

Security patrols around the area have increased as a precaution. Reports of threats against the judge in recent weeks are being noted by observers, but remain unconfirmed in the case file. Law enforcement emphasizes that speculation online is not evidence.

The investigation is active. SLED will determine whether an explosion occurred and whether the fire at Judge Diane Goodstein’s Edisto Beach home was accidental or involved foul play. Until then, all claims about motive remain unverified.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Was there an explosion?

Officials have not issued a final determination. A senior judicial statement referenced an “apparent explosion,” which investigators are evaluating.

Q2: Is foul play suspected?

No cause has been confirmed. SLED is investigating all possibilities, including accident and arson.

Q3: How many people were injured and where were they taken?

Three people were hospitalized. One was airlifted to MUSC and two were transported by ground ambulance.

Q4: Where exactly did this happen?

In the Jeremy Cay community on Edisto Beach, Colleton County, South Carolina.

Q5: Is the fire connected to the judge’s recent voter-data ruling?

Investigators have not made that link. Any connection remains unproven at this time.