We begin with the fast-developing diplomatic crisis in the Middle East. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says he's headed to Turkey -- after more firm denials from Riyadh over its role in the suspected murder of Saudi-born Washington Post journalist, Jamal Khashoggi. The visit comes as even more evidence emerges of foul play. CGTN's Guy Henderson reports from Istanbul.

Turkish investigators found what they were looking for. So they packed up and moved on. Evidence, they claim, that Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi died inside his country's consulate in Istanbul and that the alleged perpetrators then tried to cover it up.

The Turkish president added weight to reports there'd been attempts to drug Khashoggi first.

RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN TURKISH PRESIDENT "My wish is that we reach a result that allows us to reach an opinion. Because these toxic materials, the fact that they were painted and taken out, this, that. Right now, the investigation into this continues as soon as (we will get) the result. (All) Depends on the result (of the investigation.)"

Unconfirmed claims of an imminent Saudi confession continue to circulate. The Turkish foreign minister said he'd received nothing yet. Maybe U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will bring an update on that. He flies to Ankara on Wednesday but Pompeo headed to Riyadh first. For a brief encounter with the aging King Salman and then a longer meeting with his son, the powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Who was clearly out to de-escalate tensions.

MOHAMMAD BIN SALMAN SAUDI CROWN PRINCE "We are strong and old allies. We face our challenges together - in the past, the day of, tomorrow."

Back in Washington, Donald Trump wouldn't confirm a theory that Khashoggi's death was an unauthorized interrogation gone wrong.

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT "I heard that report but nobody knows if it's an official report. So far it's just a rumor, the rumor of a report coming out."

GUY HENDERSON ISTANBUL "This is where investigators are focusing their efforts now - the Saudi consul general's official residence. It's where Turkish officials believe the alleged perpetrators came after killing Khashoggi. Reports are emerging the Saudi Consul General himself boarded a plane on Tuesday and headed back to Riyadh."

Just as 15 other Saudis are alleged to have done on October second. Potential persons of interest that may now be hard - if not impossible -- to reach.

Guy Henderson, CGTN, Istanbul.