No Evidence of Arson in Goodstein House Fire

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) said its preliminary investigation found no evidence the fire that gutted Circuit Court Judge Diane Goodstein’s Edisto Beach vacation home was intentionally set or involved a pre‑fire explosion, though the probe remains active and more information may be released when it concludes. The Saturday blaze forced occupants — including Goodstein’s husband, former state Sen. Arnold Goodstein — to jump from the elevated first floor; three people were hospitalized and one was airlifted after rescue teams reached them by kayak. The FBI has been made aware but SLED is leading the investigation, and federal charges would be possible only if arson is determined. The fire has drawn partisan attention because Goodstein recently issued a temporary order limiting the state’s release of voter data to the Justice Department, and officials have urged the public, elected leaders and the press not to spread unverified claims. Authorities said they will provide follow‑up statements as the active investigation continues.