Kidnapped by a Killer: The Heather Robinson Story on Lifetime is like a true crime novel come to life. But it’s not just the disturbing real-life story that draws people in; the atmosphere and setting are also very important in transporting viewers to the—1980s world Heather used to live in. While the narrative is set across Kansas City and Illinois, the chilling real-life-inspired movie was brought to screen in a completely different place — one that perfectly mimicked the Midwest’s emotional and geographical texture.
Directed by Lee Gabiana and written by Pamela Gray and Shawn Linden, the movie recreates the shocking story of Heather Robinson — a woman who discovers that her life has been built on a lie. Kidnapped as a baby by her uncle, serial killer John Robinson (played by Steve Guttenberg), Heather was handed off to his brother and raised under false pretenses. The truth begins to unravel decades later as investigators uncover more of John’s horrifying secrets. With Jana Kramer as Lena Coy and Rachel Stubington as Heather, the cast brings the tragedy and tension to life, all against the chillingly nostalgic backdrop of 1980s America. So where was this intense true crime drama actually filmed?
FAIRMONT, WEST VIRGINIA: THE HEART OF THE PRODUCTION
The entire production of Kidnapped by a Killer: The Heather Robinson Story took place in Fairmont, a picturesque town nestled in Marion County, West Virginia. The movie was supposedly shot from early March 2025 to early April 2025 —just a few weeks later.
The vintage look of Fairmont was an important part of setting the movie in the right time period. Fairmont was the perfect place for the 1980s story because it had a real, timeless small-town feel. Its quiet streets, nice neighborhoods and well-kept buildings made it a great place to write a story about dangerous family secrets, hidden identities, and dark pasts coming to light.
️ HISTORIC DOWNTOWN AND NEIGHBORHOODS
Many of the scenes with people living in their own homes and in the community are likely to have been filmed in and around historic downtown Fairmont. The area has classic American streetscapes, old storefronts, and older homes that look like life in the suburbs of the Midwest in the 1980s. The setting made scenes about Heather’s childhood, her neighbors and the solving of her life’s biggest mystery seem more real.
INDOOR SETS AND 1980s RECREATIONS
Although no specific studio names were confirmed, Fairmont is home to several production-friendly facilities. The indoor scenes, including Heather’s childhood home and detective offices, were likely built on custom indoor sets or filmed in period-accurate interiors of real buildings. Setting the scene with care helped bring back the look and feel of the time when Heather was kidnapped.
Everyone on the team made sure that everything — from the wallpaper and rotary phones to the cars in the driveways, fit with the schedule. These small details made sure that viewers stayed in Heather’s scary past.
️ LOCAL LANDMARKS & HISTORIC SPOTS
There were also a number of famous places in Fairmont that could have been used in subtle or more obvious ways. Some of these are:
Marion County Courthouse: This building is great for scenes that involve investigations or changes in the law.
Pricketts Fort State Park: This park’s rustic and historic feel could have been used as a background for scenes that focus on memories or to set the scene.
The High Gate Estate — This old building has been used for dramatic interior shots and is known to be a filming location in the area.
FernFaye Farm and Marion County Historical Society Museum – Both offer scenic, timeless backdrops and structures that reflect Midwestern architecture from earlier decades.
WHY WEST VIRGINIA?
Lifetime has filmed several true crime and thriller productions in West Virginia, and Fairmont has become a favored location. Besides its vintage charm, the state offers cost-effective filming permits, supportive local authorities, and diverse landscapes, which make it easier for crews to depict various regions of the U.S. — from Midwest suburbs to rural areas.
Actor Steve Guttenberg, who took on the chilling role of John Robinson, praised the opportunity to fully transform for the part. In an interview, he shared, “When you get the chance to disappear into a role… and Lifetime gave me that chance — it was creatively rewarding.”
FINAL THOUGHTS
The scenic beauty and subtle eeriness of Fairmont, West Virginia, played a key role in bringing the tragic story of Heather Robinson to life. From hidden corners of neighborhoods to iconic architectural gems, the location was more than just a backdrop — it was a silent character in Heather’s terrifying, yet inspiring, journey to the truth.
KIDNAPPED BY A KILLER: THE HEATHER ROBINSON STORY SNEAK PEEK:
Where Was Mercy For None Filmed? Filming Locations Of The Brutal K-drama
