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TUCSON, Ariz. — A student flunking out of the University of Arizona nursing school shot three of his professors to death Monday, then killed himself as dozens of terrified students rushed to get away. 

Police said Robert Flores Jr., 41, specifically targeted the instructors, killing one in her office on the second floor and shooting the others in a fourth-floor classroom as students dove for cover. Flores told students in the room to leave and was later found dead by officers searching the school. 

Students who were in the classroom said Flores entered carrying a gun. He approached instructor Cheryl McGaffic in the front of the room and told her “he was going to give her a lesson in spirituality,” witness Laura Kelley said. 

McGaffic taught ethics at the nursing school and had studied the relationship between health and spiritually in seriously ill patients. 

Flores shot McGaffic, 44, in the chest, then shot her two more times as she lay on the ground, witnesses said. 

Flores then walked to the back of the room and shot instructor Barbara Monroe, 45, as she lay curled behind a desk. 

“He asked her if she was ready to meet her maker,” said Gena Johnson, another student. “She said ’Yes,’ and then he shot her once and then twice more.” 

Police identified the third victim as Robin E. Rogers, 50. All the victims were Flores’ instructors, Police Chief Richard Miranda said. 

Bomb squad members were called in after a backpack or package was found underneath the gunman’s body. The suspect had threatened to blow up the building, though it was unclear when the threat was made, police said. The college and nearby buildings were evacuated but no explosives were found. 

Officials said he had been carrying five handguns and at least 200 rounds of ammunition. 

“It’s too soon to say why he committed this terrible deed,” Miranda said. “We have determined that there are many issues in Mr. Flores’ life, all of which are a factor.” 

University Vice Provost Elizabeth Irvin said Flores had failed a pediatric nursing class and was struggling in a critical care class. 

Campus police also said a university staff member filed a report in April 2001 saying “Flores conveyed to staff he was depressed and may take action against the college of medicine.” Police attempted to contact Flores at the time but it wasn’t know whether they had been successful. 

Flores, a Gulf War veteran, worked until September at the Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Health Care System as a licensed practical nurse, and was studying to become a registered nurse, officials said.