A former Lincoln High School student was mortally shot Sunday during a botched robbery at his apartment, just minutes from California State University, Northridge, where he was a student, according to family and Los Angeles police.

Blake Anthony Crawford, 20, was shot in the head after someone knocked on his door and pointed a gun at him, said Donna Crawford, his stepmother. He was taken to a Northridge hospital and died Monday.

Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, which is investigating the case.

A roommate witnessed the shooting and hid behind a wall until the assailant was gone, Donna Crawford said. He was able to provide a description, which resulted in the subsequent arrest.

Blake Crawford was described as an affable young man who loved golf and received a full scholarship to attend the university upon graduating from high school in 2003.

"He had an amazing smile. ... The girls loved him for that," said Carlos Aguirre, 20, a close friend of Blake Crawford's.

"It's hard for me to believe any of this is happening. It's like a bad dream," he said.

Donna Crawford said her stepson loved listening to music, spending time with friends and shopping.

"He had so many shoes, he could open his own store," she said.

He also played varsity golf at Lincoln High and often could be found teeing off at Swenson Park Golf Course in Stockton.