Truck driver Vince Wolek was double crossed by Millie Parks, and wound up behind bars!

As 1970 opened, Cathy�s drug addiction was spiraling out of control. To get her fix, she sought the services of dangerous pusher Artie Duncan. Vince Wolek, meanwhile, had just begun a job as a truck driver, and met and fell in love with Millie Parks. Millie, though, was in cahoots with Artie, and together they arranged for Vince to unknowingly transport their drugs during his runs. As she continued to interact with Vince, Millie began to fall in love with him, and regret she and Artie�s scheme, but by then it was too late.

When Cathy caught wind of what Artie was up to, she tried to stop him. Angered, Artie plotted to kill Cathy and frame Vince for her murder. During a altercation, Artie violently attacked Cathy, who then killed him in self defense. Afterwards, Cathy (who had been so high during their confrontation) didn�t remember a thing. Thanks to Artie�s previous manipulations, Vince wound up being charged with his murder.

As the drug problem in Llanview grew worse, and with Vince now languishing behind bars, Joe began an investigative series in The Banner�all while hoping to clear his friend�s name. Joe�s probing worried his new wife Viki, who feared for his safety. During the investigation, Joe was led to California; where his car careened off a cliff. Viki became frantic as days went by without any word from Joe. Her worse fears would soon be confirmed when authorities discovered his wrecked car and alerted her of the accident. Though his body was not recovered, it was concluded that there was no way he could have survived such a steep fall. Joe Riley was presumed dead.