Hi! I am new to bonsai and think I have killed my Monterey (Lemon) Cypress, but I am not sure! I got it as bushy plant about 2 weeks ago and pruned about 90% of the branches off. I wired it into shape and repotted it, removing about 60% of the roots. Two weeks later, all of the needles have turned brown and they are hard. When I touch them, many of them break off. Does this mean my conifer is dead?

I was watching a video on youtube where the persons said one must clip the stems at the base, not in between. I didn't know that and clipped them all in between to shorten them. Is this the case with all conifers, or just certain species? My other trees are broadleafs, so I've not had this issue before.

Here is a photo:

Also note I am in an apartment with no outside space. I picked the Monterey Cypress because I read that it was the only conifer that could survive inside.