Boy with Down Syndrome Found Locked in Attic Begins a New Life After Heartbreaking Rescue
In 2010, a quiet Kansas neighborhood was shaken by a discovery that left even seasoned officers stunned. A six-year-old boy with Down syndrome, Giovanni “Govi” Eastwood, had been found hidden away in the attic of his home — starving, isolated, and fighting for his life.
Though he was school-aged, Govi weighed no more than the average three-year-old. Doctors later revealed just how close he had been to death; his body was so depleted that he would not have lasted much longer without immediate intervention.
The chain of events began when Govi’s mother, Rachel Perez, was arrested on outstanding warrants. Officers quickly removed her two older children for their safety, but when they asked about Govi, Perez misled them. Only after concerns grew and police returned to search the home again did they discover the truth: the boy was concealed in the attic, left alone in conditions no child should ever endure.
What officers found was near indescribable. Govi was severely malnourished, his bones bowed and brittle from rickets. He had almost no body fat, patches of hair were missing, and he could barely stand, let alone speak. The attic held no toys, no bedding, no signs of comfort — just a terrified child who had been hidden and neglected for long periods of time.
Perez was later convicted and sentenced to eight years in prison for attempted murder. But while justice offered some measure of accountability, it could not erase the trauma Govi carried.
After his rescue, Govi was welcomed into the home of his great aunt and uncle, Stacy and Joe Eastwood, who also adopted his sisters. The transition was not easy. Govi arrived deeply traumatized — he slept on the floor because he didn’t trust beds, recoiled at sudden movements, and watched people with wary, anxious eyes.
But his new family stayed patient. They created routines, held him close, and showed him what safety felt like. Slowly, Govi began to heal. He started gaining weight, learned to walk with confidence, and blossomed into a warm, affectionate child who met the world not with fear, but with joy.
One of the most powerful moments came when Govi was invited back to the Sheriff’s Department years later. There, he was named an honorary deputy and proudly shook hands with the officers who had saved his life. Sergeant John Klingele said, “That boy is the hero. Seeing his smile and his giant heart — that’s what makes this worth it.” According to his great aunt, Govi treasured the plaque he received so much that he slept with it beside him that night.
As time has passed, Govi’s transformation has only continued. He thrives in his forever home, surrounded by people who see him not as a victim of his past, but as a bright soul with unlimited potential. Every success — a new skill, a shared laugh, a moment of independence — is a testament to what love, stability, and compassion can provide.
Beyond his personal journey, Govi’s story shines a light on the importance of protective systems, vigilant officers, and families willing to step forward when a child has nowhere else to go. His rescue didn’t just save his life — it gave him a chance to build a future filled with hope.
Conclusion
Govi Eastwood’s path from starvation and neglect to safety and unconditional love stands as a powerful reminder of human resilience. His life shows that even the deepest wounds can heal when a child is surrounded by care, consistency, and compassion. Govi’s journey is more than a survival story — it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of second chances.