A large fire destroyed the Edisto Island home of South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Diane Schafer Goldstein and her husband, former state senator Arnold Goldstein, over the weekend, injuring three people.
The Post and Courier obtained video of the fire and identified the homeowners as Judge Goldstein, 69, and Arnold Goldstein, 81. South Carolina authorities are investigating the fire’s cause and said no evidence indicates the blaze was intentionally set.
In September, Judge Goldstein issued a ruling temporarily blocking South Carolina from providing millions of voters’ personal data to the Trump administration, Newsweek reported.
The October 4 fire occurred at the waterfront Edisto Island home, approximately one hour from Charleston. The St. Paul Fire District released photos on Facebook showing the home engulfed in flames and black smoke.
St. Paul Fire District crews assisted the Edisto Beach Fire Department extinguishing the fire. Firefighters rescued people from the backyard using kayaks, according to the St. Paul Fire District Facebook post.
Several neighbors helped paramedics rescue Arnold Goldstein using a canoe and rope, with two additional people rescued from the same area, the Post and Courier reported.
The fire investigation continues as authorities work to determine the cause of the blaze that completely destroyed the residence. The timing following Judge Goldstein’s high-profile ruling has drawn attention, though investigators stated they found no evidence of intentional arson.
