In 2010, 6-year-old Giovanni “Govi” Eastwood, a boy with Down syndrome, was found starved and neglected in the attic of his Kansas home. He weighed just 17 pounds—about the size of a 3-year-old—unable to walk, barely able to speak, and suffering from severe malnutrition.
Police discovered Govi after arresting his mother, Rachel Perez, on outstanding warrants. While her other children were safely removed, Perez lied about Govi’s whereabouts. Officers, suspecting something was wrong, returned and found him hidden in the attic—emaciated, filthy, and near death. Doctors said he wouldn’t have survived much longer.
Perez was sentenced to eight years in prison for attempted murder.
Govi and his sisters were adopted by their great aunt and uncle, Stacy and Joe Eastwood. Though traumatized, Govi slowly healed in their care. Once fearful and sleeping on the floor, he began to trust again.
In 2016, the officers who saved him reunited with Govi—now thriving at age 12. He was named an honorary deputy and proudly took home a plaque, which he reportedly slept with that night.
“The kid is magical,” said Joe Eastwood. “He brings out the best in everyone he meets.”