Need help identifying coniferous tree!!!?

this coniferous tree is in central michigan. They are fairly tall and skinny in diameter. The trunk and branchs have sharp thorns on them. When the thorn punctured the skin it caused swelling of area, localized muscle pain, and stiffness of joint. These trees were also located near a small pond and their needles were dead and covering the ground, there didn't appear to be many needles on the trees themselves. Please help me identify!!!