In 2010, law enforcement officers in Kansas made a heartbreaking discovery that shocked even seasoned investigators. Six-year-old Giovanni “Govi” Eastwood, a child with Down syndrome, was found hidden in an attic—starved, neglected, and weighing only 17 pounds, the size of a toddler half his age.
The rescue began when officers arrested Govi’s mother, Rachel Perez, on outstanding warrants. While searching her home, they found her other children but no sign of Govi. Perez lied about his whereabouts, but Sergeant John Klingele trusted his instincts and returned for a second search. Faint sounds eventually led officers to the attic, where they found the boy lying in filth, too weak to walk or speak. His body bore the devastating signs of long-term malnutrition. Doctors later confirmed he would not have survived much longer.
Perez was convicted of attempted murder and felony child abuse, receiving an eight-year prison sentence. Meanwhile, Govi and his sisters were taken in by their great aunt and uncle, Stacy and Joe Eastwood. Though deeply scarred at first—refusing beds, flinching at affection—Govi gradually began to heal through love and patience.
Over time, his joyful spirit emerged. Teachers and caregivers described him as thoughtful and full of life. In 2016, Govi reunited with the officers who saved him, proudly shaking their hands and receiving an honorary deputy plaque he cherished dearly.
Today, Govi is thriving in a home where he’s celebrated and loved. His story, once one of cruelty and despair, has become a testament to resilience, compassion, and the unbreakable power of love.
