Boy with Down Syndrome Rescued from Attic Reunites with Officers Who Saved His Life

In 2010, police in Kansas uncovered a case of abuse so disturbing it shocked even seasoned officers. Hidden away in the sweltering attic of a suburban home, they found Giovanni “Govi” Eastwood, a six-year-old boy with Down syndrome. He was skeletal, weak, and weighed only 17 pounds — the size of a toddler half his age. Malnourished, neglected, and abandoned by his own mother, Govi had been left to fade away in silence.

The discovery came during the arrest of his mother, Rachel Perez, who was wanted on multiple warrants. When officers asked about Govi, Perez lied, insisting he wasn’t in the home. Something about her story didn’t sit right with Sergeant John Klingele. Trusting his instincts, he and the team returned for a second search.

At first, the house was silent. Then faint noises led them to the attic. What they found was unforgettable: a child barely clinging to life, lying in filth, with no food, no toys, no light, and no sign of human care. “He looked like a child straight out of a concentration camp,” Klingele later said. “They told us he was almost seven. But size-wise, he looked three, maybe.”

Medical experts confirmed Govi was severely malnourished, suffering from rickets, brittle bones, and extreme muscle loss. If officers hadn’t found him that night, doctors said, he wouldn’t have survived. Perez was later convicted of attempted murder and felony child abuse, receiving an eight-year prison sentence.

The Road to Recovery

After his rescue, Govi and his two sisters were taken in by their great-aunt and uncle, Stacy and Joe Eastwood. The adjustment was not easy. Years of neglect had left deep scars. Govi resisted sleeping in a bed, preferring the floor. He recoiled from affection, flinching even at something as simple as a high-five. He had to relearn what safety and love felt like.

With time, patience, and unconditional care, Govi began to heal. His body grew stronger, his smile returned, and his joyful personality began to shine. Teachers and caregivers described him as kind, curious, and full of life. His resilience inspired everyone around him — including the officers who had saved him.

“The kid is magical,” said Joe Eastwood. “He brings out the best in everyone he meets.”

The Reunion

In 2016, six years after his rescue, Govi was invited back to the Sheriff’s Department for a special ceremony. Now twelve years old, he walked into the room proudly, shook hands with the officers, and personally thanked each of them for saving his life.

In an emotional gesture, Govi was made an honorary deputy and given a plaque in recognition of his courage. That night, his aunt revealed, he slept with the plaque in his arms. For Sergeant Klingele, seeing Govi again was overwhelming. “That boy is the hero,” he said. “His smile, his heart — it’s incredible to see how far he’s come.”

A Story of Love and Resilience

Today, Govi is thriving in the care of a family that loves and protects him. What began as a nightmare has turned into a story of hope — proof of how compassion, justice, and persistence can transform even the darkest situations.

Govi’s journey is more than survival. It is a testament to resilience and the healing power of love. From the brink of death in a locked attic to the joy of being surrounded by people who truly cherish him, Govi’s life reminds us that even in the face of cruelty, hope can prevail.