there were no exigent circumstances allowing for warrantless entry unless something huge is missing from the story.
Wrong!
On a domestic call, the police have to make sure all parties are safe. They’re going to do it whether the persons like it or not.
If the occupant refuses to simply open the door and let the officers know things are okay, then that escalates the fear that someone may already be seriously injured and the person in the home is hiding it.