Authorities in South Carolina confirmed that the home of Judge Diane Goodstein was destroyed by an explosion late Saturday afternoon. The blast ripped through

the quiet residential neighborhood, sending debris and smoke into the air for blocks. Emergency crews responded within minutes.

known for presiding over several high-profile political and corruption cases, was not home at the time of the explosion. Witnesses say she had been seen walking alone along the nearby beach just moments before the blast occurred. READ MORE BELOW