Lyra McKee and partner Sara Canning. Lyra had plans to propose to Sara and marry her
Joan McKee and her family left floral tributes at Fanad Drive in Creggan where the 29-year-old was savagely killed.
Lyra, who was from north Belfast but was living in Derry with her partner Sara Canning, was shot in the head while observing rioting in Creggan on Thursday, April 18.
A masked New IRA gunman appeared from the shadows and opened fire on an armoured police landrover.
The author and writer, who was standing beside the vehicle, was struck once to the head with a round from a handgun.
The murder sparked a furious backlash with dissident republican political group Saoradh becoming the focus of public anger.
Friends of the murdered woman staged a protest at Junior McDaid House, the party’s headquarters, daubing red handprints on the walls. The party’s Twitter account was also suspended.
In an emotional message left on flowers at the scene where she died, Ms McKee’s family said: “Our dear baby sister Lyra.
“Our hearts are broken as your sweet life was stolen.
“You will forever dwell in our souls. Sweet heart. We love you and will miss you until we meet again.”
The card, accompanied by yellow roses, was signed by Nichola, Gary, Mark, Joan, Mary David, John, Kevin, Susan and Nicola.
A separate tribute penned by Joan McKee, read simply: “To my darling baby daughter, Lyra. Will miss you forever. All my love, mum, xxx.”
There has been a steady stream of sympathisers from across Ireland visiting the spot of her horrific murder.
They have been leaving flowers, gifts and messages of support for her family, friends and partner Sara Canning.
The suspected New IRA killer who shot dead Lyra McKee in Derry’s Creggan on Thursday, April 18
The move came after talks between Creggan Neighbourhood Partnership and dissident republican group Saoradh.
Three people – a 57-year-old woman and two males aged 18 and 19 – were subsequently arrested over her murder but were later released unconditionally.
Independent charity Crimestoppers has offered a reward of up to £10,000 for information which leads to the arrest and successful conviction of those involved in Lyra’s murder.
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