In 2010, a heartbreaking discovery in a Kansas home stunned even the most experienced law enforcement officers. A young boy with Down syndrome, just six years old at the time, was found hidden in an attic—severely malnourished, neglected, and left to suffer in silence by the very person who was supposed to protect him: his mother. His name is Giovanni “Govi” Eastwood. At the time of his rescue, he weighed only 17 pounds—roughly the weight of a healthy toddler half his age. His fragile body told a silent story of prolonged starvation and emotional trauma.
It all began when Govi’s mother, Rachel Perez, was taken into custody on outstanding warrants. During the arrest, law enforcement officers searched her home and found her other children. They were immediately placed in protective care. But there was no sign of Giovanni. When questioned about his whereabouts, Perez offered a fabricated story, insisting Govi was somewhere else. Her lie might have gone unnoticed if not for the instincts of the officers, especially Sergeant John Klingele, who had a gut feeling that something wasn’t right. They returned to the home for a second search.
They called out for Govi—nothing. Then, faint sounds, barely noticeable, led them to the attic. And there, in the dim, stuffy heat, they found him. “I’ll never forget that moment,” Klingele recalled. “He looked like a child straight out of a concentration camp—just skin and bones. We were told he was about to turn seven, but size-wise, he looked three, maybe.”
The boy couldn’t walk. He could barely speak. He was covered in his own waste, wearing soiled clothes, lying in an area that had no blanket, no toys, no light—no signs of love or care. His tiny frame showed signs of advanced malnutrition: hair loss, brittle and bowed bones due to rickets, and the wasting away of fat and muscle tissue. Medical professionals later confirmed that if Govi hadn’t been found that night, he would not have survived much longer.
Authorities believed that Perez had intentionally hidden him in the attic, possibly to avoid responsibility or to keep his condition from being discovered. Whatever the reason, the reality was chilling: Govi had been abandoned in every possible way—physically, emotionally, and medically. Rachel Perez was ultimately convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison for attempted murder and felony child abuse. Her actions shocked the community and made headlines across the country, as people struggled to comprehend how a mother could do something so cruel to her own child.
But what followed in the years after Govi’s rescue is a story of remarkable resilience, healing, and love. Govi, along with his two sisters, was taken in by their great aunt and uncle—Stacy and Joe Eastwood—who opened not just their home, but their hearts to these traumatized children. It wasn’t an easy road. In the beginning, Govi showed signs of deep emotional scars. He refused to sleep in a bed, choosing the floor instead, likely a result of spending so long in isolation. He flinched at gestures of affection, even misinterpreting high-fives as threats. He didn’t know what it meant to feel safe. But slowly, through patience, love, and care, Govi began to heal.
“The kid is magical,” said Joe Eastwood. “Everybody he comes in contact with, he just brings out a better person in them.” Over the years, Govi transformed—not just physically, but emotionally. His smile grew wide, his personality bloomed, and he began engaging with the world in a way that once seemed impossible. His teachers and caregivers describe him as joyful, thoughtful, and full of life. His strength inspired not only his family but the very officers who once saved him.
In 2016, six years after his rescue, Govi was reunited with the law enforcement team that found him. The meeting took place at the Sheriff’s Department, where a ceremony was held in his honor. Govi, now twelve years old, walked proudly into the room and shook hands with the officers, thanking each of them personally for saving his life.
He was made an honorary deputy, and presented with a special plaque—an emotional moment for everyone in attendance. According to his great aunt, Govi cherished the plaque so much that he slept with it that night, holding it close like a symbol of hope and safety. For Sergeant Klingele, seeing Govi again was deeply moving. “That boy is the hero,” he said. “Seeing how big his heart is, and how bright his smile is… It’s really good to see him.”
The reunion wasn’t just a chance to reflect on how far Govi had come—it was a reminder of the importance of compassion, justice, and what can happen when people refuse to give up on a child. It’s impossible to comprehend how a mother could neglect and nearly starve her child to death. But what’s even more powerful is witnessing the way love and care can rebuild a life, no matter how broken it once seemed.
Today, Govi is thriving in a family that truly cherishes him. He’s surrounded by people who encourage his growth, protect his joy, and celebrate his spirit. His journey is a powerful reminder that even after unthinkable trauma, recovery is possible—with love, support, and time. This story has touched the hearts of many. Some call it miraculous. Others call it justice. But to those who know Govi, it’s something even more profound: a testimony to human resilience, and to the unbreakable power of love.
Leave a Reply