From heartbreaking loss to courtroom revelations to big-name restaurants arriving in town, Buckeye readers paid close attention in 2025. These were the stories that drew the most interest, sparked the biggest conversations and helped define the year for our community.
Here is a look back at InBuckeye.com’s 10 most read stories of 2025.
Heroic mother October
Michelle Marie Perez, who lived in Verrado’s Heritage District, died while protecting her 4-year-old daughter from an oncoming SUV outside Walmart. Perez, 41, had been shopping with her mother and child when the collision occurred. A GoFundMe created afterward raised about $36,000 to support the family.
2.
Dog shooting April
A Buckeye man was arrested after shooting a dog that had reportedly bitten his child, igniting discussion about self-defense, animal-cruelty laws and parental judgment. The story, which took place in the Acacia Crossing community near the Fry’s on Yuma Road, sparked debate over how far residents can legally go to protect their kids. Prosecutors later dismissed the charges against the shooter.
3.
Betrayal of trust April
A former Verrado Middle School teacher was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts tied to the attempted sexual exploitation and luring of a 12-year-old student. Prosecutors said Brendan Barnett abused his position at Verrado Middle School, secretly messaged the child and deceived her parents to arrange sleepovers. A judge imposed a sentence above the presumptive term, citing the seriousness of the betrayal and planned deception.
4.
Teacher lawsuit May
A civil lawsuit filed in late 2024 alleged that former Odyssey Preparatory Academy teacher Jessica Kramer repeatedly pulled a student out of class, spent inappropriate time with him and even had him drive her home while she was intoxicated. Kramer had already been sentenced in 2023 to three years in prison in a separate sexual-abuse case. The suit named the school, an exchange program and a Buckeye police officer, claiming officials failed to stop the relationship. The lawsuit was dismissed.
Burger buzz September
In-N-Out Burger broke ground at Buckeye Commons on Verrado Way. The banner went up, the buzz followed and readers wanted to know when they could finally grab a double-double. An opening date was announced for 2026 as the project signaled another national brand planting roots in Buckeye’s growing retail corridor.
6.
Side of Fry’s August
Fry’s Food Stores opened a new 123,000-square-foot supermarket at Miller and Broadway Roads, complete with a 24-hour, 18-pump fuel center, drive-thru pharmacy and Starbucks. Buckeye's third Fry’s anchors an 18-acre development led by Barclay Group that will add restaurants and services including Taco Bell, Black Rock Coffee Bar, Barro’s Pizza, Swig, Tropical Smoothie Café and Great Clips.
7.
Road-rage killing June
A Buckeye man was charged in the road-rage shooting that killed Steven Bevan in Tempe. Prosecutors accused 26-year-old Dustin Jackson of opening fire during the confrontation at a stoplight, firing once into Bevan’s Dodge Challenger as his sons watched and recorded their father’s killing from the backseat. The first-degree murder case moved toward a jury trial, which was scheduled for Jan. 15 at publication time.
8.
Admitted abuse April
Former Buckeye teaching assistant Diana Pirvu, 25, avoided prison after pleading guilty to two counts of attempted child molestation. Court records show Pirvu admitted to having sexual contact with a 13-year-old student on multiple occasions. She was sentenced to lifetime probation with restrictions and must register as a sex offender, with up to 15 years in prison possible if she violates terms. Prosecutors said mistakes in the police investigation influenced the extremely lenient plea deal.
9.
Approved acres April
Buckeye City Council approved a 168-acre mixed-use project at Verrado Way and Yuma Road. The former dairy site will be developed by Sunbelt Land Holdings with single-family homes, townhomes, multifamily units, neighborhood retail and a small business park.
10.
Caught on duty August
Buckeye police officer Robin Brown received a written reprimand after being caught kissing an off-duty firefighter while on duty and in uniform outside a school district facility. An investigation found Brown parked at the site for nearly an hour across two visits, raising concerns about judgment and professionalism. She was warned that further misconduct could lead to termination.
