House Fire at South Carolina Judge’s Home

A dramatic 911 call from a house fire in October at a South Carolina judge’s residence revealed alarming details. The judge’s son informed dispatchers that flames were consuming the lower levels of the home and that four people were trapped upstairs. Shortly afterward, witnesses reported hearing several explosions from the busy waterfront neighborhood.

Incident reports indicate that officers labeled the fire as “suspicious.” However, detectives did not uncover any clear indicators of criminal wrongdoing. The property belonged to a well-known judge who had faced “documented threats” in the past, raising concerns among investigators about possible attacks targeting the Jewish community.

In the recordings obtained through a public records request, a frantic caller can be heard stating, “We’re trapped! I’m trapped inside the house!”

During the search for a potential suspect, police discovered a couple bound and killed in their home near a famous racetrack.

Judge Diane Goodstein, 69, was outside walking her dog when the fire erupted, unaware of the chaos inside. On the call, her son mentioned needing to contact their father.

Her husband, Arnold Goodstein, an 81-year-old Vietnam War veteran and former lawmaker, managed to escape by jumping out of a window but broke his leg in the process. On the 911 call, he can be heard exclaiming, “Help! I broke my leg!”

Questions Loom After Fire Ruled Not an Arson

Minutes later, their son, Arnold Goodstein II, told dispatchers that the family had managed to escape the burning home, but his father was injured. “We jumped,” he confirmed, adding, “He’s 81 years old. He hurt his leg.”

The situation remained precarious, with concerns that flames might reach a propane tank located near the home. One voice, possibly a responder, suggested getting to safer ground, saying, “For your safety, please run into the water.” Meanwhile, Goodstein II expressed worry about the nearby tank, prompting a panicked reply about its potential explosion.

An incident report noted “several notable explosions” as observed by both residents and first responders.

According to reports, two others sustained injuries, but thankfully, all individuals involved survived. Over a dozen callers from surrounding areas also alerted 911 about the sight of smoke and flames.

Judge Goodstein has been serving since 1998. Earlier this year, she ruled against the Justice Department concerning a dispute with the South Carolina State Board of Elections about voter data, but this decision was later overturned by a higher court. Investigators have since confirmed that there’s no evidence of arson related to the fire.