The Saudi government is reportedly considering whether to blame the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi on a botched interrogation by rogue operatives, which would distance the royal family from the alleged killing.

The journalist has been missing since Oct. 2, when he was last seen walking into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to obtain documents to marry his fiancee.

Turkish authorities allege Khashoggi was killed and dismembered by a group of Saudi agents and reportedly have audio and video recordings that show he was killed in the consulate.

Saudi Arabia has insisted Khashoggi left the consulate.

[Opinion: Saudis claim 'rogue killers' got Jamal Khashoggi; they might as well say a dog ate him]

Despite the country’s denial, King Salman of Saudi Arabia has ordered an investigation into the disappearance to determine whether the kingdom played a role, people familiar with the matter told the Wall Street Journal.

CNN reported Monday that the Saudis could admit the death was a result of an interrogation gone wrong. Khashoggi was instead meant to be abducted from Turkey, the report said. The investigation could lead to some Saudi individuals being held responsible for the death, the sources said.

Turkish authorities believe Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman played a role in the matter, because the team of Saudis who allegedly killed Khashoggi flew to Istanbul on jets controlled by the crown prince.

After speaking with the king, President Trump said Monday that “rogue killers” could have been responsible for the disappearance of Khashoggi.