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There are several pests and diseases that can kill juniper trees, and unfortunately, some of these are not treatable.

The following articles may help you determine what the problem is. Also look into which of the pests discussed in the articles are prevalent in your region.

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/shrubs/hgic2056.html
http://ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/newsletters/juniper_branch_death28050.htm
http://aces.nmsu.edu/ces/yard/2000/052000.html
http://extension.wsu.edu/snohomish/juniper-troubles/

This link will help you determine the disease your plants are suffering and how to treat.

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/shrubs/hgic2056.html

You can prune Junipers anytime, but avoid during freezing periods.
Early spring, just before active growth starts is a great time to shape the shrubs up for the year.
Clean up dead and damaged parts of the plant.
You can cut out center branches to open up the plant.
Cut the branches to an active growing twig.
Shorten side branches about 1/4 to 1/3 of their length.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/juniper/care-of-junipers.htm

Is it spring where you are? It sounds like you might have Juniper Twig Blight. You can read more about it here: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/juniper/juniper-twig-blight-disease.htm

Difficult to determine the exact cause from this image.

The link below can help you pinpoint the issue.

Start with watering.

In the first year it's important to water regularly. Aim for once a week and deep watering.
Do not overwater.

Check the soil ph, they prefer slightly acidic soil. Ph should be in the 4.5 to 8.5 range.

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/shrubs/hgic2056.html

Unfortunately junipers as you have probably seen develop brown areas in the center of the plants. This is normally cause by the absence of light to the center of the plant. New growth in these areas will not develop because new buds do not develop on this so called old wood. When pruning a juniper sufficient green foliage needs to be left to hide this old wood or brown area. If you need to prune your junipers back to far the plant will not in most cases fill back in with new foliage keeping it green an nice looking as you are used to.
If the home owner removed the shrubs and replaced them with new landscaping, it would most likely increase property value! Maybe if you did the labor they would purchase plants!